EliKine™ Rat IFN-γ ELISA Kit (KTE9017) — FAQ for Rat Th1 Immunity and Macrophage Activation Researchers

EliKine™ Rat IFN-γ ELISA Kit: Your Questions Answered

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is produced by lymphocytes activated by specific antigens or mitogens[reference:18]. Beyond its antiviral activity, IFN-γ has important immunoregulatory functions: it is a potent activator of macrophages, has antiproliferative effects on transformed cells, and can potentiate the antiviral and antitumor effects of type I interferons[reference:19]. In rat models, IFN-γ is the definitive Th1 effector readout — the cytokine that tells you whether your vaccine, adjuvant, or infection model has engaged cellular immunity.

Abbkine's EliKine™ Rat IFN-γ ELISA Kit (KTE9017) delivers a calibration range of 125–1,500 pg/mL and a limit of detection of 100 pg/mL[reference:20] — a window built for the moderate-to-high IFN-γ concentrations of rat T cell cultures, ConA-stimulated splenocytes, and Th1-skewed inflammatory models. Here are the answers to the questions that matter most.

What is the detection principle of this IFN-γ ELISA kit?

The kit employs a two-site sandwich ELISA to quantitate IFN-γ in samples. An antibody specific for IFN-γ is pre-coated onto a microplate. Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells, and any IFN-γ present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After removing unbound substances, an HRP-conjugated Rat IFN-γ detection antibody is added. Following a wash, a chromogen solution is added, and color develops in proportion to the amount of IFN-γ bound[reference:21].

What sample types can I use?

The kit is validated for cell culture supernatants, other liquid samples, plasma, serum, and tissues[reference:22] — covering the full range of rat Th1 immunity study designs, from in vitro splenocyte restimulation to in vivo infection and vaccination models.

What is the sensitivity and detection range?

Does this kit cross-react with other rat cytokines?

No significant cross-reactivity or interference between rat IFN-γ and analogues was observed[reference:26]. This specificity is critical in Th1/Th2 polarization studies, where IFN-γ coexists with IL-4, IL-10, and other cytokines that can confound less specific assays.

How should I store and handle the kit?

• Unopened kit: Store at 2–8°C[reference:27]
• Opened kit: Follow protocol-specific storage instructions[reference:28]
• Shipping: Gel pack with blue ice[reference:29]

Critical handling tips from the manufacturer:

• Do not mix components from different kit lots or use reagents beyond the expiration date[reference:30]
• Allow all reagents to warm to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before opening[reference:31]
• Pre-rinse pipette tips with reagent; use fresh tips for each sample, standard, and reagent to avoid contamination[reference:32]
• Mix thoroughly — use a low-frequency oscillator or gentle hand shaking every 10 minutes[reference:33]
• Run samples and standards in duplicate or triplicate[reference:34]

What applications is this kit suitable for?

This kit is designed for research use only. Applications include:

• Th1 immunity and cellular immune responses in rat models
• Vaccine and adjuvant evaluation (antigen-specific IFN-γ recall responses)
• Macrophage activation and classical (M1) polarization studies
• Intracellular infection models (Listeria, Mycobacterium, Leishmania)
• Autoimmune disease models with Th1 dominance (EAE, type 1 diabetes)
• Tumor immunology (IFN-γ as an effector and immunoregulatory cytokine)

What's included in the kit?

A complete, ready-to-use kit[reference:35].

📌 Reference Link: EliKine™ Rat IFN-γ ELISA Kit — KTE9017