Background

Paradoxically, there are relatively few commercially available reagents for the study of macaque cytokines including type I interferons. Type I interferons, including interferon alpha (IFN-α), play critical roles in the host immune responses to pathogens. Conversely, aberrant expression of IFN-α has been shown to be associated with chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. Therefore, development of reagents to determine the levels of IFN-α in nonhuman primates should foster an improved understanding of this cytokine family in a highly relevant model system, allow for the development of better antiviral therapeutics, and facilitate development of treatments for autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

The detection of IFN-α proteins can be accomplished by biological activity measures or by immunodetection methods (Jubin R (2008) Eur Biopharm Rev 44:34-37). Biological activity assays represent the gold standard for cytokine detection. However, these assays are technically challenging, time consuming, and often exhibit cross-reactivity with related cytokines. Therefore, simpler, more rapid assays that can selectively distinguish analytes such as IFN-α in complex mixtures are highly desirable. PBL InterferonSource has recently developed a sensitive, rapid sandwich ELISA kit (PBL # 46100-1) for the determination of macaque (Rhesus and Cynomolgus) IFN-α.

For research use only, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.