Olink Target 48 Cytokine Panel

What is the Olink Target 48 Cytokine Panel

The Olink Target 48 Cytokine Panel is a high-performance protein biomarker detection platform specifically designed for inflammation research and cytokine signaling related pathways. This panel is capable of simultaneously analyzing 45 protein markers and is suitable for research on inflammatory diseases and background research on the pathophysiology of many diseases.

Features of the panel

• High sensitivity and specificity: The Olink Target 48 Cytokine Panel uses Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology, combined with quantitative PCR readings, to provide highly sensitive and specific test results.
• Absolute quantification capabilities: This panel provides absolute quantitative results in pg/mL and includes internal calibrators to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
• Small sample requirements: Only 1µL of sample (such as serum, plasma or cerebrospinal fluid) is needed for multi-protein analysis.
• Wide application areas: Suitable for research in inflammatory diseases, immunology, oncology, autoimmune diseases, transplantation, vaccines, allergies and infections.

List of 45 Cytokine Proteins

Protein category

The Olink Target 48 Cytokine Panel mainly covers cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and other immunomodulatory proteins. Interleukins (ILs) play an important role in immune regulation and inflammatory responses. Chemokines mainly regulate cell migration and participate in inflammation and immune responses. Cytokines are key molecules regulating the immune system, including interferons and tumor necrosis factors. Cytokines promote cell proliferation, differentiation and tissue repair.

Table. List of Olink Target 48 Cytokine Panel

Protein Functions

Biological process

These pathways are collectively involved in inflammation, immune regulation, and cytokine signaling, closely related to fibrosis, viral infections (such as COVID-19), and cancer microenvironment.

Disease area

The diseases listed are primarily characterized by inflammation, immune responses, and dermatologic or respiratory involvement.

Tailored for Low to Medium Abundance Proteins

Since some cytokines in blood samples are low to medium abundance proteins and are difficult to detect using mass spectrometry, the Olink Target 48 panel has become an excellent choice for current cytokine research.

Distribution of measurement ranges for 45 protein biomarkers in the Target 48 cytokine panel.

In addition, Target 48 constructed standard curves for each protein, enabling absolute quantification of 45 proteins and ultimately providing precise detection results in pg/mL. During development, multichannel pipetting and repeated curve measurements were used to minimize errors and establish accurate immunoassay curve fitting. A 4-parameter logistic (4PL) model was employed, and a comprehensive 32-point standard curve was developed for each protein biomarker within the measurement range.

Workflow of Olink Target 48 Cytokine Panel

Demo Results of Olink Data

Principal component analysis comparing fold-change of 45 cytokines/chemokines (Rahman, M.A., et al. 2024)

Case Study

Immunoadsorption versus double-dose methylprednisolone in refractory multiple sclerosis relapses

Journal: J Neuroinflammation
Year: 2022

• Background
• Results

Acute recurrences of multiple sclerosis (MS) are usually treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (MPS), but about 25% of patients respond poorly to initial treatment. Immunoadsorption (IA) is an accepted treatment for refractory relapses, but there is a lack of prospective controlled studies.Therefore, this study conducted a prospective clinical study to compare the clinical efficacy of the second course of MPS and the six courses of tryptophan column IA in the treatment of patients with relapsed and refractory acute MS.

This study compared the efficacy of immunoadsorption (IA) and methylprednisolone (MPS) in treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). Among 42 patients, 26 received MPS, 16 received IA, and 9 switched to MPS+IA due to incomplete recovery. The results showed that IA outperformed MPS in improving disability scores (EDSS), quality of life (SF-36), neurological function (MSFC), and serum biomarkers (NfL), with more pronounced effects during follow-up. IA also significantly reduced B-cell subsets, suggesting its mechanism involves B-cell modulation. In terms of safety, MPS was associated with more severe adverse events (e.g., hyperglycemia, psychiatric disorders), while IA primarily caused hypocalcemia and hypotension. Overall, IA demonstrated superior efficacy and safety compared to MPS.

To complement the flow cytometry analysis of the cohort, the study performed Olink assays on serum from MPS and IA patients, measuring 45 chemokines and cytokines at baseline and discharge. Both treatments significantly altered the cytokine network, though it remains unclear whether these changes were influenced by immune cell modulation or non-specific binding to the tryptophan column during IA. Three distinct cytokine subgroups were identified: cytokines predominantly reduced after MPS but not IA (e.g., CCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and IL4); cytokines reduced after IA but not MPS (e.g., IL7, OSM, and TGFA); and cytokines decreased by both treatments but to a lesser extent with combination therapy (e.g., IL13 and CSF3). Additionally, IA increased levels of LTA, MMP1, FLT3LG, IL6, and CCL19, while MPS reduced these factors at discharge. These findings suggest that IA modulates cytokines essential for B-cell maturation and B-cell-derived cytokines involved in neuroinflammation, further supporting B-cell modulation as a central mechanism of IA therapy.

Figure 1.The analysis of serum soluble factors included the Olink Target 48 cytokine panel. (Pfeuffer, S., et al. 2022)

Why Creative Proteomics

Reliable Results

Stable and reliable detection results ensure data consistency and repeatability.

Professional Team

Customizes experimental plans based on customer needs and offers professional technical consultation and after-sales service.

Accurate Detection

High-quality detection can be achieved with minimal sample volume, making it ideal for precious or limited sample types.

Comprehensive Coverage

The Olink Target 48 Cytokine Panel is currently one of the most extensive immune and inflammation-related protein panels available, making it particularly well-suited for researchers focused on immune and inflammatory studies.

Sample Requirements

References

1. Pfeuffer, S., Rolfes, L., Wirth, T. et al. Immunoadsorption versus double-dose methylprednisolone in refractory multiple sclerosis relapses. J Neuroinflammation 19, 220 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-022-02583-y
2. Rahman, M.A., Bissa, M., Scinto, H. et al. Loss of HIV candidate vaccine efficacy in male macaques by mucosal nanoparticle immunization rescued by V2-specific response. Nat Commun 15, 9102 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53359-2