Components
1.2 Pre-coated plates, mAb bIL4-I
2.Vial(blue top): Biotinylated detection mAb bIL4-II(40μL); Concentration 0.5mg/ml.
3.Vial 2(white top): Streptavidin-ALP(40μL).
4.BCIP/NBT-plus substrate(25ml): The detection antibody is supplied in sterile filtered(0.2μm)PBS with 0.02% sodium azide. Streptavidin-ALP is supplied in 0.1M Tris buffer with 0.002% Kathon CG. Vials have been overfilled to ensure recovery of the specified amount.
Assay Procedure
1.Remove the plate from the sealed package and wash 4 times with sterile PBS(200 ul/well).
2.Condition the plate with medium (200 ul/well) containing 10% of the same serum as used for the cell suspensions. Incubate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
3.Remove the medium and add the stimuli followed by the cell suspension. Alternatively, cells and stimuli can be mixed before addition to the plate.
4.Put the plate in a 37°C humidified incubator with 5% CO, and incubate for 12-48 hours. Do not move the plate during this time and take measures to avoid evaporation.
5.Remove the cells by emptying the plate and wash 5 times with PBS, 200 ul/well.
6.Dilute the detection antibody(26E5-biotin) to 0.5 ug/ml in PBS containing 0.5% fetal calf serum(PBS-O.5%FCS). Add 100 ul/well and incubate for 2 hours at room temperature.
7.Wash plate as above.
8.Dilute the Streptavidin-ALP(1:1000) in PBS-0.5% FCS and add 100 ul/well. Incubate for 1 hour at room temperature.
9.Wash plate as above.
10.Filter the ready-to-use substrate solution(BCIP/NBT-plus) through a 0.45 um filter and add 100 ul/well. Develop until distinct spots emerge.
11.Stop color development by washing extensively in tap water. If desirable, remove the underdrain (the soft plastic under the plate) and rinse the underside of the membrane.
12.Leave the plate to dry. Inspect and count spots in an ELISpot reader or in a dissection microscope.13. Store plate in the dark at room temperature.
Format
Biotinylated detection mAb (bIL4-II), Streptavidin-ALP, Substrate (BCIP/NBT-plus), Pre-coated MSIP white plates (mAb bIL4-I)
Precaution of Use
The number of cells responding to stimulation is often compared to the number of cells spontaneously producing the cytokine, which is determined by incubating the same number of cells in the absence of stimuli. A polyclonal activator such as phytohemagglutinin or concanavalin A (1-10 ug/ml) is often included as a control for cell viability and functionality of the test system.
Handling Advice
PBS for washing and dilution should be filtered (0.2 um) for optimal results. Avoid the inclusion of Tween or other detergents in the washing and incubation buffers.
To reduce unspecific background it is recommended to filter (0.2 um) the working dilution of detction mAb.
Storage Comment
Plates should be kept at room temperature.
Expiry Date
The expiry date indicates how long unopened products, stored according to instructions, are recommended for use.
Note
The serum should be selected to support cell culture and give low background staining. We recom-mend the use of fetal calf serum. Alternatively serum-free medium evaluated for cell culture can beused.
Restrictions
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.