Background information
Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is predominantly secreted by activated CD4+ memory and effector TH 2 cells, basophils, and mast cells. It induces and supports humoral immune responses for the neutralization of extracellular pathogens. The TH 2 types of immune mechanisms can also be involved in immunologic disorders, such as IgE-mediated allergy. The IL-4 Secretion Assay (PE) can also be used for two-color cytokine analysis in combination with the IFN-γ Secretion Assay - Detection Kit (FITC) or the IFN-γ, IL-2, or IL-10 Secretion Assay - Detection Kits (APC).
Downstream applications
IL-4 Secretion Assays were used to isolate and analyze Tetanus Toxoid-specific, allergen-specific, and autoreactive T cells from PBMCs, as well as tumor-specific cells from T cell lines.
The IL-4 Secretion Assay was also used for isolation of IL-4-secreting human NK cells, and for detection of IL-4-secreting NKT cells.
IL-4-secreting CD8+ T cells were isolated in combination with CD8 MultiSort MicroBeads.