Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a type of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that is characterized by activation of immune cells like NK cells, macrophages and dendritic cells and subsequent release of inflammatory cytokines. CRS can be caused by CAR-T cell infusion therapy and sepsis that occurs from infection, amongst other causes. As a result, CRS causes massive release of cytokines that amplifies in effect and can lead to significant tissue damage (1). A key part to understanding CRS and how to reduce its detrimental effects is centered around immunology research. By enabling researchers to simultaneously quantify inflammatory cytokines and biomarkers, the cellular effects of cascading cytokine release can be well studied and understood at the lab bench, propelling forward areas of immunology disease research and development of immunotherapies. One approach is to analyze the cytokine profile from serum and plasma samples, however, often the concentrations are low if immune response is limited to tissues. Thus, investigating the cytokine release in tissue to understand the microenvironment is becoming more important in various research areas. Herein, we outline a workflow for tissue lysate preparation and simultaneous quantification of 13 key biomarkers relevant to CRS using the LegendPLEXTM Cytokine Release Syndrome panel to quantify IFN-γ, IL-10, CCL4, IFN-α, CXCL9, CXCL10, TNF-α, IL-6, VEGF, IL-4, CCL3, CCL2 & GM-CSF.
Figure 2. Level of CXCL10 (IP-10) in spleen lysate from LPS and PBS groups.