Cytokine Measurement

Cytokine measurement is critical for assessing immune responses across various biological contexts, including preclinical drug development, in vivo studies, and in vitro immune assays. Our cytokine quantitation services deliver precise, reproducible data through high-sensitivity platforms, enabling researchers to efficiently measure key immune mediators without investing in costly specialized equipment.

Our services encompass both in vitro assays—where cytokine or analyte levels serve as primary readouts across a range of functional assays with established positive controls, such as Cytokine Release Assays, Antigen Recall, and T cell Activation—as well as direct measurement of client-submitted samples. We accommodate serum, plasma, and cell culture supernatants, providing flexibility to support diverse study designs.

For single-analyte or rare analyte detection, we use traditional ELISA kits for robust, high-specificity quantitation. For multiplexed analysis, we offer CBA for analyte quantitation via high-throughput flow cytometer, as well as MSD, a highly sensitive quantitative immunoassay platform. These multiplexing platforms enable comprehensive cytokine profiling from limited sample volumes. Assays can be conducted using commercially validated kits for human, non-human primate, mouse, rat, and other applicable species.

About Cytometric Bead Array (CBA)

Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) technology is a high-throughput, multiplexing immunoassay platform that enables quantitative analyte detection using flow cytometry. iQ Biosciences employs CBA technology to deliver precise and efficient cytokine and analyte quantitation for our clients.

CBA technology uses fluorescent bead-based multiplexing, allowing for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes from small sample volumes. This method provides high sensitivity, a broad dynamic range, and rapid readout, making it ideal for immune profiling and biomarker discovery.

About Mesoscale Discovery (MSD)

Mesoscale Discovery (MSD) technology is a high-sensitivity, multiplexing immunoassay platform that enables quantitative analysis of biomarkers with exceptional precision. iQ Biosciences utilizes an MESO QuickPlex SQ 120MM to perform cytokine/analyte quantitation for our clients.

MSD technology is distinguished by its electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection, multi-spot well design, and high-resolution imaging, providing superior data quality. Key features include:

• Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) Detection: MSD employs ruthenium-based labels that emit light upon electrochemical stimulation, producing a highly sensitive and broad dynamic range signal with low background noise.
• Multiplexing with Multi-Spot Arrays: Each well contains multiple spatially distinct capture spots, allowing for simultaneous quantification of multiple analytes in a single sample, enhancing efficiency without cross-reactivity.
• High-Resolution Imaging for Quantification: Instead of traditional plate readers, MSD systems utilize high-sensitivity CCD cameras to detect and quantify emitted signals, ensuring precise and reproducible measurements.
• Gold-Standard Sensitivity & Dynamic Range: The ECL approach enables femtomolar to picomolar detection limits, surpassing conventional ELISAs and maintaining robustness across complex biological samples.
• Diverse Immunoassay Kit Options: Multiple kit formats are available to accommodate specific needs, including increased sensitivity, lot-to-lot validation, or customization.

This combination of highly specific multiplexing, ultrasensitive detection, and precise imaging establishes MSD as the gold-standard platform for pharmacokinetics, biomarker discovery, and cytokine analysis in preclinical and clinical research. iQ Biosciences leverages this advanced technology to analyze your samples efficiently, providing fast turnaround times and reliable data delivery.