Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolation
Human peripheral blood (20 ml) samples were collected from patients and
healthy donors in vacutainer tubes (BD Vacutainer tubes with EDTA K2; BD
Vacutainer RST tube) through venepuncture; complete blood and serum were
obtained. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from
peripheral venous blood by density gradient centrifugation with
Ficoll-Hypaque (Sigma Aldrich). Cellular viability was evaluated by
staining with trypan blue. PBMC were used for staining and monocyte
isolation.