Improved DAMP Assays for the In Vitro Assessment of Immunogenic Cell Death

Part # PS405

Abstract

Andrew L. Niles, Kevin R. Kupcho, Dan F. Lazar and James J. Cali
Promega Corporation

The extracellular levels of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released during immunogenic cell death (ICD) are positively correlated with the magnitude and efficacy of the resulting in vivo immune response. Therefore, extracellular ATP (eATP) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) have been identified as key biomarkers for their predictive capacity during in vitro ICD screening activities. Current methods for identifying eATP and HMGB1 inducers are laborious and costly and are hampered by poor throughput. 

To overcome these challenges, we have developed easy-to-use, homogeneous, bioluminescent assays that measure dose-dependent release of these immunostimulatory agents directly in cell culture. The RealTime-Glo™ Extracellular ATP Assay measures eATP, and the Lumit™ HMGB1 Immunoassay measures HMGB1 release. 

Together, the assays represent an efficient means of evaluating the ICD inducing potential of new chemical entities or other treatment modalities.