| abstract |
The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the immune system of an individual, which comprises measuring, preferably by quantitative RT-PCR, the expression level of at least one microRNA (miRNA) gene product in a peripheral blood sample or in a biological fluid sample, and comparing said measured expression level with a reference level. In particular, the at least one miRNA gene product, which the method of the invention measures, is expressed by lymphocyte populations of an individual, in particular by naive CD4+ T, TH1, TH2 and TH17 lymphocytes. The method of the invention is useful for the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, control and/or the treatment of a pathological condition caused by or associated with an immune system dysfunction. Moreover, the method of the present invention is useful for monitoring, in an individual, the evolution of conditions mediated by the immune system, such as the response to a vaccination. |