TNF-α (pig) ELISA Kit

Known as cachectin, the TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α) is a glycoprotein of 156 amino acids produced from a precursor processed by action of a metalloprotease. Interleukin-1 or bacterial endotoxins stimulate the production of TNF-α by immune cells (activated macrophages, NK cells, monocytes) and non-immune cells (keratinocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, and granulosa lutein cells). The main function of the TNF-α is to act as an immunomodulator and as a mediator of infl ammatory responses in the phenomena of host resistance to infection. It allows neutrophils and macrophages recruitment to infectious sites by stimulating the production of adhesion molecules and chemokines (chemotactic cytokines) by endothelial cells. TNF-α also acts on the hypothalamus to trigger the fever. Over-production of TNF-α has been implicated in a number of pathological conditions including cachexia, septic shock, and autoimmune disorders. Enzyme ImmunoAssay (EIA) is a technique to detect and quantify antigens (proteins, hormones) or antibodies in samples. It relies on the ability of an antibody to bind a specific antigen. Either the antibody or the antigen is labelled with an enzyme whose substrate is a chromogen or a fluorogen converted in a measurable product (color or fluorescence). Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is a type of EIA using a solid phase (ex: microtiter plate) coated with an antigen immobilizing the molecule to detect. Over the time, scientists have extended the term ELISA to EIAs using an antibody coating the solid phase. That explains why our EIA kits using coated antibodies are also called ELISA kits.