The Human Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α ELISA Kit is designed for the quantitative detection and measurement of human TNF-α in cell culture supernatants. Primarily produced by monocytes and macrophages, TNF-α is involved in the regulation of immune cells, cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and lipid metabolism. The activation of TNF-α is mediated by two distinct cell surface receptors: TNFR1 (TNF receptor 1) and TNFR2 (TNF receptor 2). TNF-R1 has a cytoplasmic death domain, resulting in the degradation of multiple proteins apoptosis. TNF-R2 recruits TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) and induces gene expression. TNF-α mediates a wide range of diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.

The assay is based on a sandwich ELISA method, in which samples are added to ELISA strip plates pre-coated with capture antibodies specific for human TNF-α. The captured TNF-α is detected by the addition of a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated detection antibody. The addition of the chromogenic enzyme substrate 3,3’5,5’ tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) results in a colored product with an intensity directly proportional to the concentration of human TNF-α in the sample.