Analysis of Cytokines by Flow Cytometry (CAT#: STEM-CBT-0066-WXH)

Introduction

Cytokines are a broad class of soluble proteins, glycoproteins , and peptides that act as chemical messengers of the immune system. These small proteins are essential intercellular communicators that carry messages from one cell to another and contribute to cell growth and immune response. Cytokines include chemokines, interferons, interleukins, lymphokines and cannot cross the lipid bilayer of the cell wall to enter the cytoplasm. They have been shown to be key players in endocrine, autocrine and paracrine signaling as immunomodulating agents. According to research, there may be promising applications for cytokines in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of disorders like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and even septic shock.<br />Intracellular cytokine detection by flow cytometry has emerged as the premier technique for studying cytokine production at the single-cell level. This fusion of intracellular staining methods with polychromatic flow cytometry results in an immensely powerful technique. Polychromatic flow cytometry permits the simultaneous detection of multiple cytokines and other functional attributes within a single cell, allowing the detection of complex cytokine phenotypes.