Cytokines are small signaling proteins that immune cells use to communicate. They tell immune cells when to activate, move, grow, or stop. One of the most important cytokines in research is interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).
What is IFN-γ?
IFN-γ is mainly produced by activated T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. It plays a key role in:
- Activating macrophages
- Promoting antigen presentation
- Driving Th1-type immune responses
- Fighting viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells
Because of its central role, IFN-γ is often used as a marker of immune activation.
Why do we detect it?
By measuring IFN-γ, we can:
- Check if T cells are responding to a specific antigen (e.g. from a vaccine or tumor)
- Compare immune responses in different individuals or experimental groups
- Monitor the effectiveness of immunotherapies or vaccines
- Study immune-related diseases like infections, autoimmune disorders, or cancer
How do we detect it?
Common methods include:
- ELISA – measures the amount of IFN-γ in a sample (quantitative)
- ELISPOT – shows how many cells are producing IFN-γ (single-cell level)
- Flow cytometry – detects IFN-γ inside cells, often combined with cell surface markers
- qPCR – measures IFN-γ mRNA expression
Each method has its own advantages depending on what you want to study.
In short: IFN-γ is a key readout for T cell function. Detecting it helps researchers understand how the immune system reacts — whether it’s to a pathogen, a tumor, or a treatment.
Detecting cytokines such as IFN-γ is essential in immunology because these molecules act as key messengers in the immune system. IFN-γ, in particular, is produced mainly by activated T cells and natural killer cells and plays a critical role in orchestrating immune responses by activating macrophages, enhancing antigen presentation, and promoting Th1 immune pathways.
Measuring IFN-γ allows researchers to:
- Evaluate whether T cells respond to specific antigens (e.g., after vaccination or during infection).
- Compare immune activity across different subjects or experimental conditions.
- Monitor the effectiveness of immunotherapies and vaccines.
- Investigate the immune system’s behavior in diseases such as infections, autoimmunity, and cancer.
Common detection techniques like ELISA, ELISPOT, flow cytometry, and qPCR provide complementary information — from quantifying protein levels to identifying cytokine-producing cells.
In summary, IFN-γ detection serves as a crucial biomarker of immune activation, helping us better understand immune dynamics in health and disease
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