Design considerations for a web-based database system of ELISpot assay in immunological research.

The enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay has been a primary means in immunological researches (such as HIV-specific T cell response). Due to huge amount of data involved in ELISpot assay testing, the database system is needed for efficient data entry, easy retrieval, secure storage, and convenient data process. Besides, the NIH has recently issued a policy to promote the sharing of research data (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing). The Web-based database system will be definitely benefit to data sharing among broad research communities. Here are some considerations for a database system of ELISpot assay (DBSEA).