ELISPOT ELISA Kits

The ELISPOT assay operates on the principle of capturing secreted proteins from individual cells onto a solid surface, typically a microplate well, followed by detection using specific antibodies. The general steps include:

1. Coating: Microplate wells are coated with a capture antibody specific to the target cytokine or protein.
2. Cell Incubation: Cells are added to the wells and incubated, allowing them to secrete the target protein, which is captured by the immobilized antibodies.
3. Detection: After removing the cells, a biotinylated detection antibody specific to a different epitope of the target protein is added, followed by an enzyme-conjugated streptavidin.
4. Visualization: A substrate is introduced that reacts with the enzyme to produce a colored spot at the site of the secreted protein, each spot representing a single secreting cell.

Applications of ELISPOT Kits:

• Vaccine Development: Assessing the efficacy of vaccines by measuring antigen-specific T-cell responses.
• Immunological Research: Studying cellular immune responses, including T-cell and B-cell activity.
• Disease Monitoring: Evaluating immune responses in infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

Components of ELISPOT Kits:

ELISPOT kits are designed to provide all necessary reagents and materials for conducting the assay. Common components include:

• Pre-coated Microplates: Wells pre-coated with capture antibodies specific to the target analyte.
• Detection Antibodies: Biotinylated antibodies that bind to the captured analyte.
• Enzyme Conjugates: Streptavidin conjugated to enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase or horseradish peroxidase.
• Substrate Solutions: Chromogenic substrates that produce a visible spot upon reaction with the enzyme.
• Buffers and Wash Solutions: Reagents to maintain optimal assay conditions and remove unbound substances.

By providing a means to detect and quantify individual cytokine-secreting cells, ELISPOT kits are invaluable tools in advancing our understanding of immune responses and facilitating research across various biomedical fields.