Investigating Cryopreserved PBMC Functionality in an Antigen-Induced Model of Sarcoidosis Granuloma Formation

Abstract

Sarcoidosis, a systemic inflammatory disease, poses challenges in understanding its etiology and variable clinical courses. Despite ongoing uncertainty about causative agents and genetic predisposition, granuloma formation remains its hallmark feature. To address this complexity, we developed a validated in vitro human granuloma model using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), providing a dynamic platform for studying sarcoidosis pathogenesis. While cryopreservation is a common method for long-term sample preservation, the biological effects of freezing and thawing PBMCs on granuloma formation remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the viability and functionality of cryopreserved sarcoidosis PBMCs within the granuloma model, revealing similar granulomatous responses to fresh cells and highlighting the potential of cryopreserved PBMCs as a valuable tool for studying sarcoidosis and related diseases.