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Autoimmunity pp 129–154Cite as

Measurement of Cytokines in Autoimmune Disease

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Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Medicine™ ((MIMM,volume 102))

Summary

Systemic autoimmune diseases are characterized by extensive alterations in immune system function, with cytokines and autoantibodies contributing to impaired immunoregulation and tissue damage. Characterization of the expression and function of cytokines is important for elucidation of pathogenic mechanisms and for identification of therapeutic targets and strategies. We reviewed the utility of assays that reflect individual variability in cytokine gene sequence, expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) or protein, as well as measurement of expression of target genes regulated by cytokines. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and intracellular staining for cytokine expression are two sensitive and quantitative approaches for analysis of cytokine mRNA and protein, respectively. Detailed methods are provided for these assays.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY

    Kyriakos A. Kirou, Christina Lee & Mary K. Crow

Authors
  1. Kyriakos A. Kirou
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  2. Christina Lee
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  3. Mary K. Crow
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Medicine, Microbiology, and Immunology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY

    Andras Perl MD, PhD

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© 2004 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Kirou, K.A., Lee, C., Crow, M.K. (2004). Measurement of Cytokines in Autoimmune Disease. In: Perl, A. (eds) Autoimmunity. Methods in Molecular Medicine™, vol 102. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-805-6:129

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-805-6:129

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-231-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-805-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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