PBL’s VeriKine-HS Human Interferon Alpha All Subtype TCM ELISA Kit is specifically formulated to detect all human IFN-Alpha subtypes. This kit quantitates all human IFN alpha subtypes in tissue culture media (TCM) using a sandwich immunoassay format. The kit is based on an ELISA with biotinylated-detection antibody and streptavidin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Tetramethyl-benzidine (TMB) is the substrate. The assay is based on the international reference standard for human interferon alpha provided by the National Institutes of Health.

Interferons (IFNs) are a family of mammalian cytokines initially characterized by their ability to inhibit viral infection. They are synthesized and secreted by most cell types in response to pathogens. In addition to their antiviral properties, IFNs have also been shown to exhibit anti-proliferative, immunomodulatory, and many other activities.

In humans, IFN-α refers to a family of proteins comprised of 12 highly homologous protein subtypes (greater than 85% by amino acid sequence), encoded by 13 genes, that exhibit pleiotropic biologic activities. Measuring the levels of the 12 different human IFN-α subtypes is essential for understanding their triggers and subsequent effects on the immune system. The ability to measure all the subtypes may provide an indication of the total IFN-α level.