Science and Research

Clinical Immunology and Allergology – Laboratory

Immunology, as a dynamically evolving branch of medicine, significantly influences virtually all medical disciplines. Laboratory diagnostic methods in clinical immunology and allergology contribute to identifying pathological conditions related to immune system disorders, including:

Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies
Allergic diseases
Autoimmune diseases

In diagnosing primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, we apply the latest scientific knowledge and technologies. This primarily involves assessing the representation and functionality of cellular populations essential for proper immune system function. These examinations are conducted using flow cytometry. In scientific research, we have achieved notable success, particularly through studies on immunodeficient conditions in patients with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. We also contribute to diagnosing primary immunodeficiencies (including periodic fever syndromes) in close collaboration with the Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies.

The diagnosis of allergic diseases, once the domain of immunological outpatient clinics and laboratories, has advanced significantly in recent years. This progress is largely due to the use of component-resolved diagnostics, which enables allergy testing at the molecular level. This method greatly aids in clarifying disease severity, explaining cross-reactive allergic conditions, and ultimately selecting appropriate immunotherapy. Our department is also actively involved in scientific research and publishing in this field.

Autoimmune diseases represent another area where laboratory diagnostics play a crucial role. The focus of diagnostics in our immunology laboratory is primarily the detection of a wide range of organ-specific and non-specific autoantibodies using various methods.

Our vision for the future is to continue research and publishing across all these areas, leveraging new information and diagnostic methods, with a particular focus on rare immunologically mediated diseases.

Transplantation Immunology

The Institute of Clinical Immunology and Medical Genetics at the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, and the University Hospital Martin provides comprehensive diagnostic support for patients before and after transplantation. Our work is grounded in modern technologies, scientific evidence, and years of clinical experience.

As part of our portfolio of innovative tests, we collaborate with other institutions on a nationwide level.

In cooperation with the Transplantation-Nephrology Department of the University Hospital Martin, we bring evidence-based medicine (EBM) directly into everyday clinical practice. Before transplantation, we perform comprehensive HLA class I and II antigen typing for both recipients and donors. We use cutting-edge technologies such as third-generation sequencing (Oxford Nanopore) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR).

Our diagnostic portfolio also includes the detection of specific antibodies against HLA alloantigens, which may lead to graft damage after transplantation. We also assess molecular immunocompatibility between donor and recipient, thereby increasing transplant success rates.

To predict risks, we use advanced algorithms such as PIRCHE-II and Snow, which combine artificial intelligence, deep machine learning, and modern computational technologies. These tools allow us to more accurately estimate the potential immune response of the recipient.

Monitoring donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in the patient’s plasma enables real-time tracking of the transplanted organ’s condition and early detection of potential complications.

In addition to clinical work, we actively engage in scientific research. We study the relationships between donor-specific antibodies, PIRCHE-II and Snow algorithms, and dd-cfDNA levels to better understand the immune response after transplantation and to push the boundaries of personalized medicine.

As part of our innovative testing portfolio, we collaborate with other institutions on a national level.