Overview
In this first book dedicated entirely to the ELISPOT, a critical enzyme-linked immunospot assay used widely in biomedical research, recognized experts with first-hand experience detail how to design, perform, and analyze these assays. The readily reproducible techniques they provide cover a wide variety of topics, including the use of membrane-backed plates, the standardization and validation procedures, the removal of cells from ELISPOT plates, cell separation techniques, and the quantification of ELISPOT data. There are also numerous ELISPOT applications involving animal models, human cells, measles, multiple sclerosis, immune responses, multicytokine detection systems, and immunocytochemistry. Highlights include dual-color and multiplex ELISPOT assays, use of the ELISPOT assay on feline lymphocytes, standardization of the ELISPOT procedure, and combining the ELISPOT assay with immunohistochemistry.
Synopsis
Although the ELISPOT (enzyme-linked immunospot) assay is widely used in many fields of biomedical research, producing recognizable and quantifiable spots may be very difficult not only for beginners, but also for experienced researchers. In Handbook of ELISPOT: Methods and Protocols, the first book dedicated entirely to the ELISPOT, recognized experts with first-hand experience detail how to design, perform, and analyze these assays. The readily reproducible techniques they provide cover a wide variety of topics, including the use of membrane-backed plates, the standardization and validation procedures, the removal of cells from ELISPOT plates, cell separation techniques, and the quantification of ELISPOT data. There are also numerous ELISPOT applications involving animal models, human cells, measles, multiple sclerosis, immune responses, multicytokine detection systems, and immunocytochemistry. Highlights include dual-color and multiplex ELISPOT assays, use of the ELISPOT assay on feline lymphocytes, standardization of the ELISPOT procedure, and combining the ELISPOT assay with immunohistochemistry. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Comprehensive and highly practical, Handbook of ELISPOT: Methods and Protocols offers both novice and experienced researchers a wealth of easy-to-understand information that will clarify the technically challenging aspects of ELISPOT and open the door to its wider successful use.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Marion C. Cohen, PhD(University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-NJMS)
Description:This book is part of the Methods in Molecular Biology series that is designed to provide descriptions and applications of specific laboratory techniques to both neophytes as well as experienced researchers. This volume is devoted to the use of the ELISPOT assay, a technique used to quantify cytokine-secreting cells in many fields of biomedical research.
Purpose:According to the editor, this is the first book devoted entirely to the ELISPOT assay. Although it has been used for more than 20 years, the assay remains a challenge to set up and interpret the results. The book is expected to serve as a reference manual for beginners and as a troubleshooting guide for experienced ELISPOT users. It includes a collection of protocols covering a variety of topics which could be adapted by almost any potential user. In addition it begins with a history of the assay which is a nice touch.
Audience:The target audience includes anyone who may wish to use the ELISPOT assay. The assay has been used in many areas of research including vaccine development, transplantation studies, HIV, cancer, and allergy research as well as studies that focus on basic immunologic mechanisms. The quantification of cytokine-secreting cells is important for a large variety of areas of research. The editor is an authority in the field and the individual chapters have been written by experts.
Features:The book begins with the history behind the development of the assay. Chapters 2-8 cover how to set up the assay and evaluate the results. This is followed by application of ELISPOT assays to animal and human studies (chapters 9-16). Chapters 17-20 describe modifications of the assay. The techniques are well described with notes that offer helpful information. Most of the figures are black and white but 11 of them are also in color and are placed together in one section with identification of the chapter to which each belongs. There are appropriate references and an index.
Assessment:Although techniques are often better learned via a hands-on approach, this book would be a good way to develop the ELISPOT assay for one's own laboratory if there were no one available to demonstrate it. The protocols are detailed and the helpful hints in the form of "notes" are useful. The early chapters supply a wealth of detail on the setup and rationale behind aspects of the technique. Even if one has experience with the technique, there are modifications that might be helpful. And if all else fails, the authors of each chapter provide a potential contact source for problem solving.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Marion C. Cohen, PhD(SUNY Downstate Medical Center)Description: This book is part of the Methods in Molecular Biology series that is designed to provide descriptions and applications of specific laboratory techniques to both neophytes as well as experienced researchers. This volume is devoted to the use of the ELISPOT assay, a technique used to quantify cytokine-secreting cells in many fields of biomedical research.
Purpose: According to the editor, this is the first book devoted entirely to the ELISPOT assay. Although it has been used for more than 20 years, the assay remains a challenge to set up and interpret the results. The book is expected to serve as a reference manual for beginners and as a troubleshooting guide for experienced ELISPOT users. It includes a collection of protocols covering a variety of topics which could be adapted by almost any potential user. In addition it begins with a history of the assay which is a nice touch.
Audience: The target audience includes anyone who may wish to use the ELISPOT assay. The assay has been used in many areas of research including vaccine development, transplantation studies, HIV, cancer, and allergy research as well as studies that focus on basic immunologic mechanisms. The quantification of cytokine-secreting cells is important for a large variety of areas of research. The editor is an authority in the field and the individual chapters have been written by experts.
Features: The book begins with the history behind the development of the assay. Chapters 2-8 cover how to set up the assay and evaluate the results. This is followed by application of ELISPOT assays to animal and human studies (chapters 9-16). Chapters 17-20 describe modifications of the assay. The techniques are well described with notes that offer helpful information. Most of the figures are black and white but 11 of them are also in color and are placed together in one section with identification of the chapter to which each belongs. There are appropriate references and an index.
Assessment: Although techniques are often better learned via a hands-on approach, this book would be a good way to develop the ELISPOT assay for one's own laboratory if there were no one available to demonstrate it. The protocols are detailed and the helpful hints in the form of "notes" are useful. The early chapters supply a wealth of detail on the setup and rationale behind aspects of the technique. Even if one has experience with the technique, there are modifications that might be helpful. And if all else fails, the authors of each chapter provide a potential contact source for problem solving.