Abstract: Disclosed is a method for analysing FluoroSpot assays. The method comprises illuminating a well of an assay plate with at least one excitation light, capturing at least one image of the well, in raw image format, for each excitation light, generating a model of analyte release distribution in the well for each excitation light, and clustering a plurality of co-positioned fluorospots as a multiple secretion fluorospot, wherein the clustering is performed for all generated models, and wherein the clustering determines at least one multiple secretion fluorospot. The generation of the model of analyte release distribution for a given excitation light comprises deconvolving the captured at least one image of the well to estimate a pre-diffusion analyte distribution, and detecting potential analyte release sites based on local maxima therein.

Abstract: A synergistic composition, kit and method for inhibition and/or neutralization of IL-21 mediated activation of human cells including (i) a first agent being an antibody or antibody fragment thereof directed to a first epitope of IL-21, and (ii) a second agent being an antibody or antibody fragment thereof directed to a second epitope of IL-21 is disclosed. The inhibition and/or neutralization of IL-21 mediated activation of human cells is for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of disease of immune-related conditions including inflammatory disease, autoimmunity and lymphomas.

Abstract: An improved assay is described where a surface is provided with immobilized anti-Ig antibodies rather than antigen and where specific antibody-secreting cells (ASC) are detected using soluble antigen probes containing one of several possible labels. The method gives improved sensitivity with less background and is also more representative because antigen binding does not employ immobilized antigen. The assay is particularly effective for measuring antibody secreting cells against HIV, for determining whether an infection is acute as opposed to old or latent, for mapping epitopes and for measuring for ASCs against different antigens in the same reaction.

Abstract: A synergistic composition, kit and method for inhibition and/or neutralization of IL-21 mediated activation of human cells including (i) a first agent being an antibody or antibody fragment thereof directed to a first epitope of IL-21, and (ii) a second agent being an antibody or antibody fragment thereof directed to a second epitope of IL-21 is disclosed. The inhibition and/or neutralization of IL-21 mediated activation of human cells is for use in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of disease of immune-related conditions including inflammatory disease, autoimmunity and lymphomas.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating a polyvinyl difluoride (PVDF) membrane comprising: (a) contacting said membrane with an alcohol and a wetting agent; and (b) drying said membrane.

Abstract: A method of detecting the production of an analyte by cells in a sample, which method comprises: (i) providing an antibody capable of binding to said analyte and a first agent capable of enhancing detection of said analyte, wherein said antibody and said first agent are immobilized on the same support; (ii) contacting said antibody and said agent with a sample of cells; and (iii) detecting binding of said analyte to said antibody thereby detecting the production of an analyte by cells in a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting the production of one or more analytes by cells in a sample. The method uses one or more immobilized binding proteins to capture one or more analytes released from cells. The, or each, binding protein is localized at one or more discrete locations on a solid surface within a well. Cells are introduced into the well and cultured under conditions suitable for release of the analyte(s) and for binding of the analyte(s) to the binding protein(s). Restricting the binding protein(s) to one or more discrete locations within the well, rather than coating the entire surface of the well, results in increased sensitivity of the assay.

Abstract: An in vitro method for diagnosing a contact allergy in a subject comprises: (i) providing (a) a contact allergen; (b) T-cells from said subject; and (c) a surface to which is immobilized a first specific binding agent capable of specifically binding to a cytokine released from a T-cell in response to said allergen; (ii) contacting said sample with said allergen under conditions which are suitable for (a) release of said cytokine by T cells that have been presensitized in vivo to said allergen; and (b) binding of said cytokine to said first specific binding agent; and (iii) detecting binding of said substance to said first specific binding agent. A kit which enables the method to be carried out is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating a polyvinyl difluoride (PVDF) membrane comprising: (a) contacting said membrane with an alcohol and a wetting agent; and (b) drying said membrane.

Abstract: An improved assay is described where a surface is provided with immobilized anti-Ig antibodies rather than antigen and where specific antibody-secreting cells (ASC) are detected using soluble antigen probes containing one of several possible labels. The method gives improved sensitivity with less background and is also more representative because antigen binding does not employ immobilized antigen. The assay is particularly effective for measuring antibody secreting cells against HIV, for determining whether an infection is acute as opposed to old or latent, for mapping epitopes and for measuring for ASCs against different antigens in the same reaction.

Abstract: A method for determining the susceptibility of a subject to infection, which method comprises: (i) providing a sample from said subject; (ii) detecting any LL-37 present in said sample; (iii) optionally comparing the level of LL-37 in said sample to a control sample; and (iv) determining the susceptibility of said subject to infection, wherein no LL-37 or a low level of LL-37 indicates that said subject is susceptible to infection.