IFN-gamma human ELISA

Immunoenzymetric assay for the in vitro quantitative measurement of human interferon gamma (IFN gamma) in serum and plasma.

INTENDED USE:Immunoenzymetric assay for the in vitro quantitative measurement of human interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) in serum and plasma.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

A. Biological activities
IFN-γ (type 2, immune IFN) is structurally and functionally distinct from type 1 (alpha/beta) interferon and acts on a separate receptor. Only one IFN-γ gene has been identified, coding for a 146 AA protein that is post-translationaly processed into two glycosylated species of 20 and 25 Kd. Native IFN-γ is pH2-labile, highly basic, and can aggregate to form dimers that are biologically active. IFN-γ is a real lymphokine produced by activated T (and NK) cells. Despite its clear antiviral and cellular growth regulating activities, its immunomodulatory properties are believed to be the most important. IFN-γ is the principal activator of macrophage function (Macrophage Activating Factor, MAF), and it also regulates the pathway of differentiation of myeloid cells. It plays an important role in the growth and differentiation of cytotoxic (and possibly suppressor) T cells, activates NK cells and acts as a B cell maturation factor. It regulates Ig isotype production and inhibits IgE responses. One of the modes of action of IFN-γ is to induce the expression of membrane proteins, such as class 1 and class 2 MHC antigens and adhesion molecules on various cell types, high affinity Fc receptors for IgG on myelomonocytic cells, etc. Integrated in the cytokine network, IFN-γ interacts with other cytokines, in either a synergistic (e.g. TNF) or antagonistic (e.g. IL-4) way.

B. Clinical application
The precise role of IFN-γ in human diseases and therapy is still poorly defined. Clearly, it is involved in the defense against parasites, intercellular pathogens and possibly tumour cells. Its therapeutic administration partially corrects the deficient immune response observed in lepromatous leprosy and the phagocyte defect of patients with X-Linked chronic granulomatous disease. A deficiency in IFN-γ production has been related to persistent (e.g. EBV) viral infections, and a correlation could be established between the secretion of IFN-γ by peripheral blood mononuclear cells during an herpetic infection and the time of a next recurrence. A defect in IFN-γ production has also been recorded in several primary or secondary immunodeficiency states. IFN-γ is seldom detected in the serum of healthy persons. Its production may be demonstrated "in situ" in several inflammatory disorders (Sarcoidosis, rheumatoid-arthritis, subacute thyroiditis, polymyositis, multiple sclerosis). Higher levels of serum IFN-γ are measured during severe parasitic diseases (e.g. Plasmodium Falciparium malaria); during cytokine (IL-2) therapy; and after the first injections of OKT3.

KIT CHARACTERISTICS:
- Method: ELISA
- Tests: 96
- Incubation Time / Conditions: 2 h, 15 min (RT/shaker)
- Standard Range: 1.10 - 27.2 IU/ml
- Sensitivity analytical: 0.03 IU/ml
- Final Sample Volume: 50 µl
- Sample Type: serum, plasma (EDTA)
- Isotope / Substrate: TMB 450 nm
- Internal Controls: 2
- Regulatory Status: CE