Eleven-color flow cytometry. A powerful tool for elucidation of the complex immune system.

This article describes application of some of the most sophisticated flow technology currently available. Both basic and clinical research applications of this technology are illustrated, showing how a new picture of immune function arises that can simplify the understanding of immunopathogenesis of disease. Although the implementation of this technology in the clinic is still several years off, it can serve to identify important correlates of immune function that can be measured with today's technology.