Agglutination of leukocytes

Agglutination of leukocytes, also known as leukoagglutination, is a biological process characterized by the clumping of white blood cells (PubMed: PMID 13215091). This phenomenon is typically triggered by the binding of multivalent agents, such as antibodies (leukoagglutinins) or plant-derived lectins like phytohemagglutinin, to specific antigens on the leukocyte cell surface (PubChem: CID 53477736). While not a therapeutic target in the traditional sense, it is a significant clinical and diagnostic observation. Historically, the study of leukocyte agglutination was instrumental in the discovery of the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system, which is critical for transplant compatibility (NobelPrize.org: Jean Dausset Facts). In clinical practice, the unintended agglutination of leukocytes in the lungs is a hallmark of Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI), a life-threatening complication of blood transfusion (StatPearls: Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury). In laboratory settings, induced agglutination is used to stimulate lymphocyte transformation and mitosis for chromosomal analysis (Science: Nowell, 1960).

Other names

LeukoagglutinationWhite blood cell clumpingLeukocyte aggregationLeukoagglutinin reaction

Agglutination occurs when multivalent ligands, such as antibodies (leukoagglutinins) or lectins, bind to and cross-link specific antigens on the surface of multiple leukocytes, creating a lattice-like network of cells (PubMed: PMID 13215091).