title: Quantitative cell line based bioassays for human cytokines.
abstract: Research in cytokine biology is ever increasing and it is clear that cytokines are involved in a wide range of pathological and physiological processes. The validity of such research relies heavily on the appropriate measurement of levels of cytokines in various biological samples. Amongst the currently available methods for measuring cytokine levels, it is only the biological assay of samples that can directly provide estimates of biologically active cytokines present in test samples. Of the several bioassay systems available for detecting cytokines, cell line based bioassays are the easiest to perform and provide the most precise and accurate data. The suitability of any cell line for bioassaying a particular cytokine depends on several criteria such as sensitivity, ease of growth maintenance, and cytokine specificity. The design and analysis of cell line bioassays is also important in providing valid estimates of cytokine levels. We review the most useful cell lines currently available for bioassaying cytokines and discuss the design advantages and limitations of cytokine bioassays.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay; D002455:Cell Division; D002460:Cell Line; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007158:Immunologic Techniques; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines