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Multiplex Cytokine Detection
About
Cytokines are small protein molecules that are secreted by cells in order to coordinate intercellular communication in response to inflammation or infection. These molecules therefore play a vital role in the innate immune response to infection and contribute to the activation of the adaptive immune response. Therefore, characterizing cytokine responses is crucial for understanding the dynamic relationship between the host and the pathogen. As cytokines are typically secreted locally in trace amounts and have short half-lives, they are not routinely detected during disease progression. However, new technologies capable of detecting cytokines in diseased hosts or tissue culture systems will provide valuable insights into immune regulation.