Cytokine Bioassays: Methods and Protocols provides a comprehensive collection of classic and cutting-edge methodologies that are used to analyze and quantify cytokines and their biological activities in complex biological and clinical samples. Chapters are divided into three main categories, the first category details the immunodetection of released cytokines in tissue culture supernatants, plasma, serum, and whole blood samples by immunoassays. The second part focuses on the analysis of biologically active cytokines by bioassays using neutralizing antibodies, chemotaxis assay, cytokine-induced phagocytosis assay, proteasome activity assay, and analysis of cytokine-induced immunoglobulin class switching. Part three presents analysis of intracellular cytokines by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, and western blotting. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and practical, Cytokine Bioassays: Methods and Protocols is written by experienced, basic, and clinical researchers with hands-on knowledge of the described protocols. This book will be of interest not only to biochemists, molecular biologists and immunologists but also to physician-scientists working in the field of cytokine research.