Cell therapy, a transformative branch of medical science, represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of diseases by harnessing the intrinsic power of cells to restore health and combat various ailments. Leukopaks and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), two indispensable components that propel the field forward. Leukopaks, are harvested through advanced apheresis techniques, epitomize the pinnacle of cellular enrichment, serving as reservoirs teeming with a diverse array of immune cells crucial for therapeutic interventions. These enriched collections of white blood cells, comprising lymphocytes, monocytes, and other vital cellular constituents, stand as veritable treasure troves for researchers and clinicians alike, offering unparalleled insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying immune responses and disease pathogenesis. PBMCs, a subset of leukocytes derived from peripheral blood, embody the versatility and adaptability inherent to cellular therapies, serving as versatile tools across a spectrum of applications. From the development of cutting-edge immunotherapies targeting cancer to the growing field of regenerative medicine aimed at tissue repair and organ transplantation, the applications of PBMCs offer promising novel avenues for disease intervention and personalized medicine. As the frontier of cell therapy continues to expand, propelled by groundbreaking discoveries and technological innovations, the profound impact of leukopaks and PBMCs in shaping the future of medicine illuminating the path towards a future where diseases once deemed incurable may be conquered, and where the promise of personalized, precision medicine becomes a tangible reality for patients worldwide.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the process of acquiring leukopaks through apheresis procedures and explain their significance in cell therapy.
• Understand the role of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in research and clinical applications within the field of cell therapy, including their versatility and potential therapeutic uses.
• Understand the impact of leukopaks and PBMCs on advancing innovations in cancer immunotherapy and regenerative medicine, and their potential for improving patient outcomes in various disease contexts.

Kimberley Buytaert-Hoefen, Ph.D.

Kimberley Buytaert-Hoefen is a seasoned professional with 25 years of preclinical and clinical experience in research and development, gene and cellular therapy, the commercial pharmaceutical and medical device industries. As a former FDA Investigator, she performed surveillance inspections for cause, pre-approval establishment, and post-marketing adverse drug experience reporting. Kimberley is a Subject Matter Expert for pharmaceutical, gene and cellular therapy and medical device manufacturing regulatory strategies, with an emphasis on sterile processing and, as a result, is highly skilled in authoring regulatory documents, interacting with regulatory agencies and consulting on GLP, GCP and GMP regulatory compliance