Detection of surface-associated human leukocyte elastase

A method for monitoring the disease progression and pathological phenomena of individuals that experience mylogenous disorders involving leukemia and lymphomas, that correlate with density of Human Leukocyte Elastase (HLE) associated with plasma membranes of lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes, said method comprising

• A. Preparing a test sample which comprises lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes wherein said lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes are capable of differentiation from other endogenous matter contained within said test sample
• B. Blocking CD4 or chemokine receptors on plasma membranes of lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes in said test sample by interaction of said receptors with a binding material so as to render said receptors non-reactive (competitive) relative to the HLE receptors on the plasma membrane;
• and
• C. Contacting said plasma membranes of said lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes with an immunoreagent specific for interaction with HLE receptors on said plasma membranes of lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes, so as to form an immunocomplex between said plasma membranes of said lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes and said immunoreagent including a material, which when interacted with said HLE receptors, produces a characteristic physical change in the lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes that can be monitored
• D. Monitoring said test sample for said immunocomplex so as to detect HLE density of said plasma membranes.