A Multiplex Bead-Based Immunoassay to Quantify Multiple Cytokine Targets

Abstract

Source: Lehmann, J. S., et al. Multiplex Cytokine Profiling of Stimulated Mouse Splenocytes Using a Cytometric Bead-based Immunoassay Platform. J. Vis. Exp. (2017).

This video demonstrates a multiplex bead-based immunoassay for quantifying multiple cytokine targets in a sample. A mixture of distinct microspheres conjugated to cytokine-specific antibodies is used to bind the cytokines present in the sample. Streptavidin-tagged reporters are immobilized on the bound-cytokines using biotinylated detection antibodies. Flow cytometry identifies the bound cytokines based on the unique sizes and internal fluorescence intensities of the microspheres, while the fluorescence intensity of the reporters indicates the number of cytokines.

Protocol

1. Biological Sample Preparation

NOTE: The chosen anatomical site and volume of blood collection are left to the discretion of each individual investigator and will not affect the outcome of the assay. However, once they are obtained, samples should be handled according to the steps listed below.

1. Preparation of Serum Samples
   1. Collect the desired volume of blood into the preferred collection tube and allow it to clot for at least 30 min.
   2. Centrifuge the sample for 10 min at 1,000 x g at room temperature.
   3. Remove serum and assay immediately or aliquo....

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Allegra 6R Centrifuge with MICROPLUS Carrier Adaptor	Beckman Coulter	366816	For LEGENDplex assays is run in microtubes, V-or U-bottom 96-well plate (optional)
LEGENDplex Mouse T helper Cytokine Panel	BioLegend	740005	Multiplex Immunoassay (13-plex)
Anti-mouse CD3ε antibody	BioLegend	100314	Clone 145-2C11, low endotoxin, azide free format
Anti-mouse CD28 antibody	BioLegend	102112	Clone 37.51, low endotoxin, azide free format
Vacuum Pump	EMD Millipore	WP6111560	For LEGENDplex assays using filter plates (recommended)
Vacuum Manifold	EMD Millipore	MSVMHTS00	For LEGENDplex assays using filter plates (recommended)
Sterile Disposable Reagent Reservoirs	Fisher Scientific	07-200-130	Or equivalent
Polypropylene MicroFACS Tubes	Fisher Scientific	11-842-90	For LEGENDplex assays is run in microtubes, V-or U-bottom 96-well plate (optional)
Pipette Kit	Fisher Scientific	14-388-100	Four pipette sizes (0.2-2µL, 2-20µL, 20-200µL, 100-1000µL)
Multi-Channel Pipette	Fisher Scientific	FA10011G	capable of dispensing 5 μL to 200 μL
Microplate Shaker	Fisher Scientific	88880023	Or equivalent
Microcentrifuge	Fisher Scientific	75002410	Or equivalent
FACS tubes	Fisher Scientific	NC9885747	12 x 75 mm round bottom
PMA (Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate)	Sigma-Aldrich	P8139
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)	Sigma-Aldrich	L-8274	Escherichia coli O26:B6
Ionomycin	Sigma-Aldrich	I0634
Branson B200 Ultrasonic Cleaner	Sigma-Aldrich	Z305359	Or equivalent
Microcentrifuge tubes	Sigma-Aldrich	Z666505	1.5 mL polypropylene tubes
Flow Cytometer	Various	Various	Cytometer equipped with single laser (488nm blue) or two lasers (488nm blue or 532nm green + 633nm Red) capable of reading emission wavelengths at 575nm and 660nm
96-Well Polypropylene Plate	VWR	82050-662	For LEGENDplex assays is run in microtubes, V-or U-bottom 96-well plate (optional)