Sample interview questions: Tell us about your knowledge of cell-based models for autoimmune diseases research.
Sample answer:
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Cell-based models for autoimmune diseases research provide a powerful tool to study the complex interplay between immune cells and target tissues in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. These models allow researchers to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis, identify potential therapeutic targets, and evaluate novel therapies in a controlled environment.
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Types of cell-based models:
1. In vitro models:
– Primary cell cultures: Isolated directly from patient samples or healthy donors, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), T cells, B cells, or macrophages.
– Established cell lines: Immortalized cell lines, such as Jurkat T cells or Raji B cells, provide a stable and reproducible source of cells for research.
2. In vivo models:
– Animal models: Genetically engineered mice or other animal models are used to study autoimmune diseases in a whole-organism context.
– Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs): Human tumor cells or tissues are transplanted into immunodeficient mice, allowing researchers to study the behavior of human cells in a living organism.
- Applications of cell-based models:
1. Disease mechanisms:
– Studying the activation, differentiation, and migration of immune cells in response to specific antigens or triggers.
– Identifying key signaling pathways and molecular interactions involved in disease progression.
– Investigating the role of genetic factors and environmental factors in disease development.
2. Drug discovery: Read full answer