Human Interleukin-8
Introduction
Human Interleukin-8 (IL-8), also known as CXCL8, is a chemokine that is upregulated at sites of inflammation where it promotes neutrophil infiltration and activation. It is a member of the alpha (C-X-C) subfamily of chemokines. In response to proinflammatory stimuli, IL-8 is produced by monocytes, macrophages, T cells, neutrophils, and fibroblasts. IL-8 can form homodimers and heterodimers with CXCL4/PF4. Its bioactivity is regulated by proteolytic truncations, citrullination, and the decoy receptor DARC. IL-8 signals through CXCR1/IL-8 RA, which is also used by CXCL6, and through CXCR2/IL-8 RB, which is used by multiple CXC chemokines.
Assay Overview
The workflow for the Pu•MA System cytokine immunoassay is shown in the figure below. All assay reagents are prepared in advance and then loaded into Pu•MA System flowchips using single or 8-channel pipettes. The wells are conveniently located on standard 384 multiwell plate spacings. The flowchips are now ready to be loaded into the Pu•MA System for “hands-off” processing. The ELISA steps are automatically performed by the system using pre-loaded protocols. Once the assay is complete, absorbance results are read on your Plate Reader.
- Low-volume assays (10-20 μl)
- Simple “hands-off” operation
- Open platform – no expensive plates
Assay Procedure
The adaption of existing ELISA kits and/or antibody pairs is straightforward with the Pu•MA System. Assay buffers optimized for the Pu•MA System flowchips are provided for sample and antibody dilutions. Blocking solutions and wash buffers are also provided. The IL-8 assays are adapted from BioLegend ELISA Max Kits (p/n 431501, 431502, & 431503). The reagents required for the assay are shown in the table.
Assay antibody reagents were prepared according to the dilutions shown in the Table using Pu•MA Assay Buffer (PAB). IL-8 standards were reconstituted according to instruction provided by BioLegend. A 1:2 serial dilution series of Human IL-8 Standard was prepared starting at 100 pg/well using PAB. 20 μl of each reagent was added to the appropriate wells (see Fig 3) except for the Stop Solution where 10 μl was dispensed. Four replicates were run per concentration. The flowchips were loaded into a Pu•MA System and processed using the IL-8 Assay Protocol. Plates were read within 5 minutes of being finished on an absorbance plate reader at 450 nm (Tecan Spectrafluor Plus).
Pu•MA System Human IL-8 Standard Curve
How It Works
The Pu•MA Flowchip and System uses established antibody pairs to perform an automated ELISA. All assay reagents are loaded into reservoirs and then moved one at a time through the “Assay Channel” by the Pu•MA System. Preloaded protocols execute all fluid transfer and incubation steps. The system incorporates patented valve-less fluidic switching (VLFS) to precisely control fluid movement in a flowchip. Use of microfluidics reduces
both incubation times and reagent volumes.
| Name | Reagent | Source |
| Capture Ab | Human IL-8 ELISA Max Capture Antibody (1:100) |
BL |
| Block | Pu•MA Blocking Buffer | PFI |
| Sample | Human IL-8 Standard | BL |
| 1°Ab | Human IL-8 ELISA Max Detection Antibody (1:1000) |
BL |
| 2°Ab | Avidin-HRP (1:2K) | BL |
| Wash | Pu•MA Wash Buffer | PFI |
| Substrate | FAST Substrate | PFI |
| Stop | Pu•MA Stop Solution | PFI |
Microfluidic Assay Workflow
Pu•MA System
- Compact benchtop system
- Easy top-loading of flowchips
- Precision pneumatic control
Software
- Touchscreen-driven interface
- Preloaded assay protocols
- Simple Select and Run operation
Reagents & Flowchips
- Validated immunoassays
- Open platform for existing Ab pairs
- Works with standard pipettors & tips