ELISPOT

ELISPOT assays are used for analyzing the immunological secretions of peripheral blood and lymphoid cell populations. This process allows for the detection, enumeration, and characterization of cytokine-secreting cells within cell culture populations.

In the case of a cytokine assay, a culture plate is coated with anti-cytokine antibodies. The cells are introduced under conditions which cause them to secrete cytokines. These cytokines bind to the aforementinoed antibodies, and then the cells are removed. An enzyme-labeled anti-cytokine is then applied to the bound cytokines, after which a chromogenic substrate is applied to anti-cytokines. The result? This substrate generates colored spots which can be observed by the human eye (under microscopy) or detected via machine vision.