Porcine Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs): Methods of Isolation, Cryopreservation, and Translational Applications in Human Studies.

Porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (pPBMCs) are increasingly recognized as a valuable model in biomedical and translational research, particularly in contexts directly related to human health and disease. Their immunological features, such as the presence of CD4+CD8+ double-positive T cells and cytokine expression patterns, exhibit a notable degree of similarity to human immune cells, making them an attractive tool for studying human-relevant immune responses. This review outlines current methodologies for isolating and cryopreserving pPBMCs, with a focus on maintaining high cell viability and functionality. Key technical considerations, including the optimal use of gradient media, appropriate anticoagulants, and standardized freezing/thawing protocols, are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the article highlights the applications of pPBMCs in various research contexts, including vaccine development, inflammation studies, infection models, and xenotransplantation. A comparative perspective is provided to identify similarities and differences between porcine and human PBMCs, supporting the validity of swine as a translational model. Evidence from pPBMC-based studies has shown predictive value for human outcomes, reinforcing their role as a surrogate system for preclinical investigations. Given their anatomical, physiological, and immunogenetic similarities to humans, porcine PBMCs represent a valuable bridge between basic science and clinical application, playing an increasingly important role in translational medicine.