LUMINEX MULTIPLEX ASSAY SERVICE

Human Inflammation Luminex Multiplex Panel (20 to 48-Plex)

Simultaneous quantification of 20 to 48 key human inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and soluble receptors in a single well using Luminex xMAP technology. Configure your panel from core pro- and anti-inflammatory markers, chemokines, growth factors, and emerging immune mediators. Validated for serum, plasma, and cell culture supernatants.

20-48 TargetsHuman25 μL SampleSub-pg/mL
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20-48 Inflammation Plex
Brown University
Harvard University
Imperial College London
University of Florida
Tulane University
Abata Therapeutics
AlzeCure Pharma

Inflammation is the body's fundamental response to infection, injury, and immune dysregulation, orchestrated by a network of pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory regulators, chemokines, and soluble receptors. The balance between these opposing forces — not the level of any single mediator — determines whether inflammation resolves beneficially or progresses to chronic disease. Multiplex measurement of the inflammatory network simultaneously is essential because individual cytokines provide incomplete information: elevated IL-6 tells you inflammation is present, but only the IL-6/IL-10 ratio tells you whether it is being effectively regulated.

Creative Proteomics offers the Human Inflammation Luminex Multiplex Panel, available in 20 to 48-plex configurations configurable from a library of over 90 validated inflammatory analytes. The panel covers core pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ), anti-inflammatory regulators (IL-10, IL-1RA, IL-4, IL-13), chemokines (MCP-1, MIP-1α, IL-8, RANTES, IP-10), soluble adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, sE-Selectin, sP-Selectin), growth factors (GM-CSF, G-CSF, VEGF), and emerging immune mediators (APRIL, BAFF, Pentraxin-3, TSLP, sCD163). Validated for serum, plasma, and cell culture supernatants, the panel is compatible with MAGPIX, Luminex 200, and FLEXMAP 3D systems.

Each configuration is backed by rigorous validation with intra-assay CV <10% and broad dynamic range (4–5 logs), enabling accurate quantitation across the wide concentration range — from low pg/mL (IL-1β in healthy serum) to high ng/mL (IL-6 in sepsis) — from a single 25 μL sample.

Panel Specifications
TechnologyLuminex xMAP
Panel Configurations20, 24, 25, 27, 37, 48-Plex (customizable)
SpeciesHuman
Sample TypesSerum, EDTA/Heparin Plasma, CCS
Sample Volume25 μL per well
SensitivitySub-pg/mL (0.1 pg/mL LLOQ)
Assay Time~4 hours (or overnight option)

Complete Analyte List — Configurable Inflammation Panels (20 to 48-Plex)

The Human Inflammation Panel is fully configurable from a library of 90+ validated analytes. Below are the standard pre-configured plex options. Contact us for custom configurations.

Panel Name Plex Key Targets
Human Inflammation 20-Plex Panel 20 IL-12, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CD54, CXCL10, GM-CSF, IFNα, IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, sCD62E, sCD62P, TNFα Inquiry
Human Inflammation 24-Plex Panel 24 APRIL/TNFSF13, BAFF/TNFSF13B, Chitinase-3-like1, gp130/sIL-6Rβ, IFN-β, IL-11, IL-19, IL-20, IL-26, IL-27(p28), IL-28A/IFN-λ2, IL-29/IFN-λ1, IL-32, IL-34, IL-35, LIGHT/TNFSF14, Osteocalcin, Pentraxin-3, sCD163, sCD30/TNFRSF8, sTNF-R1, sTNF-R2, TSLP, TWEAK/TNFSF12 Inquiry
Human Inflammation 25-Plex Panel 25 CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, CCL11/Eotaxin, CCL24/Eotaxin-2, CXCL8/IL-8, CXCL9/MIG, CXCL13/BLC, G-CSF, GM-CSF, ICAM-1, IFN-γ, IFN-γR1, IL-1α, IL-1Ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-15, M-CSF, TNF-α, TNFRI Inquiry
Human Inflammation 27-Plex Panel 27 FGF basic, Eotaxin, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, IP-10, MCP-1(MCAF), MIP-1α, MIP-1β, PDGF-BB, RANTES, TNF-α, VEGF Inquiry
Human Inflammation 37-Plex Panel 37 APRIL/TNFSF13, BAFF/TNFSF13B, Chitinase-3-like1, gp130/sIL-6Rβ, IFN-α2, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, IL-11, IL-12(p40), IL-12(p70), IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-26, IL-27(p28), IL-28A/IFN-λ2, IL-29/IFN-λ1, IL-32, IL-34, IL-35, LIGHT/TNFSF14, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, Osteocalcin, Osteopontin, Pentraxin-3, sCD163, sCD30/TNFRSF8, sIL-6Rα, sTNF-R1, sTNF-R2, TSLP, TWEAK/TNFSF12 Inquiry
Human Inflammation 48-Plex Panel 48 IL-1α, IL-2Rα, IL-3, IL-12(p40), IL-16, IL-18, CTACK, GRO-α, HGF, IFN-α2, LIF, MCP-3, M-CSF, MIF, MIG, β-NGF, SCF, SCGF-3, SDF-1α, TNF-β, TRAIL, FGF basic, Eotaxin, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, IP-10, MCP-1(MCAF), MIP-1α, MIP-1β, PDGF-BB, RANTES, TNF-α, VEGF Inquiry
Customize your panel: All 90+ analytes are individually configurable. Start from the 20-plex core, add analytes from the extended library, or build a fully custom panel. Standard pre-configured options include 24-plex (core + emerging mediators), 37-plex (comprehensive), and 48-plex (maximum coverage). Contact us with your target list for a custom configuration.

Pro-Inflammatory vs Anti-Inflammatory: Why the Balance Matters

Inflammation is not defined by the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines alone, but by the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory forces. Measuring both sides simultaneously is the core advantage of multiplex over single-analyte approaches.

Pro-Inflammatory Axis

IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-8, MCP-1, GM-CSF. These cytokines drive the initiation and amplification of the inflammatory response: IL-1β and TNF-α activate endothelium; IL-6 drives the hepatic acute-phase response; chemokines (IL-8, MCP-1) recruit neutrophils and monocytes; IFN-γ and IL-17A define Th1 and Th17 polarization. Persistently elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines with inadequate anti-inflammatory counter-regulation defines chronic inflammatory disease.

Key readout: IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β — confirm active inflammation

Anti-Inflammatory & Regulatory Axis

IL-10, IL-1RA, IL-4, IL-13.IL-10 is the dominant anti-inflammatory cytokine, suppressing macrophage and dendritic cell function and inhibiting TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-12 production. IL-1RA is the endogenous competitive antagonist of the IL-1 receptor. IL-4 and IL-13 drive Th2-polarized responses that counterbalance Th1/Th17-driven pathology but can themselves drive allergic inflammation when dysregulated.

Key readout: IL-6/IL-10 ratio, IL-1β/IL-1RA ratio — assess regulatory control

The IL-6/IL-10 ratio in published research: In sepsis studies, a high IL-6/IL-10 ratio is associated with progression to organ dysfunction and mortality, independent of absolute IL-6 levels. In COVID-19 research, the IL-6/IL-10 ratio at hospital admission distinguishes individuals who will require intensive care from those who will not, with greater accuracy than IL-6 alone. In rheumatoid arthritis, a declining IL-6/IL-10 ratio during anti-TNF therapy indicates effective restoration of inflammatory homeostasis. These ratios can only be reliably calculated when both cytokines are measured simultaneously from the same sample aliquot — a fundamental advantage of Luminex multiplex over individual ELISA measurements.

How to Choose Your Inflammation Panel Configuration

Select the plex level based on the breadth of inflammatory mediators relevant to your research question and the sample volume available.

20

Core Inflammation (20-Plex)

Covers the essential pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, key chemokines, adhesion molecules, and Th1/Th2/Th17 markers. Ideal for routine inflammation profiling and studies where core mediators are the primary readout. 25 μL per well.

Choose this for: standard inflammation profiling, treatment monitoring
37

Comprehensive Inflammation (37-Plex)

Adds emerging immune mediators (APRIL, BAFF, Pentraxin-3, TSLP), soluble receptors (sTNF-R1, sTNF-R2), and expanded chemokine coverage. For studies requiring deeper immune characterization. 25 μL per well.

Choose this for: biomarker discovery, comprehensive immune phenotyping
48

Maximum Coverage (48-Plex)

Full 48-analyte panel covering cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, soluble receptors, and emerging mediators. The most comprehensive inflammation profiling available in a single well. 25 μL per well.

Choose this for: maximum discovery, systems immunology
Full plex range available: All six pre-configured panels (20, 24, 25, 27, 37, and 48-Plex) are available as standard options. Each is optimized for multiplex performance with validated cross-reactivity profiles. All configurations use the same 25 μL sample volume and are compatible with MAGPIX, Luminex 200, and FLEXMAP 3D systems. Contact us to discuss the best configuration for your study.

Luminex Multiplex vs ELISA for Inflammation Cytokine Analysis

Inflammation is a network phenomenon. Measuring one cytokine tells you if inflammation is present; measuring the full network tells you what kind it is and whether it is being regulated.

Parameter Luminex 20-48 Plex Traditional ELISA (20+ assays)
Targets per Well 20–48 1
Sample Volume 25 μL 500–1,200 μL total
Inflammatory Balance IL-6/IL-10, IL-1β/IL-1RA ratios from same aliquot Requires separate assays; between-assay CV invalidates ratios
Throughput 39 samples in duplicate per 96-well plate 39 samples × 1 analyte per plate

The IL-6/IL-10 ratio, TNF-α/IL-10 ratio, and IL-1β/IL-1RA ratio are validated indices of net inflammatory balance in sepsis, COVID-19, and autoimmune disease research. These ratios require simultaneous measurement from the same sample aliquot to eliminate between-assay variability — a fundamental limitation of single-analyte ELISA that Luminex multiplex directly solves.

Sample Requirements for Inflammation Cytokine Luminex Assays

Proper sample collection and handling are essential for accurate inflammatory cytokine measurement. Standardize collection protocols across all samples within a study.

Sample Type Volume Requirement
Serum 25 μL Collect in SST or red-top tubes; allow 30 min clotting at room temperature; centrifuge at 1,500g for 10 min. Note: some cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8) may be slightly elevated in serum due to ex vivo release during clotting
EDTA/Heparin Plasma 25 μL Centrifuge within 30 min at 2,500g for 15 min. EDTA plasma preferred for most inflammatory panels. Heparin may interfere with some detection antibodies
Cell Culture Supernatant 50 μL Centrifuge at 10,000g for 10 min to remove cells and debris. For stimulated cell experiments, include unstimulated controls
Minimum Project Size — One 96-well plate; smaller batches accepted with surcharge
Sample Storage — -80°C; avoid repeated freeze-thaw (>2 cycles). IL-17A and IFN-γ are particularly freeze-thaw labile
Shipping — Dry ice; samples must remain frozen throughout transit

Deliverables & Quality Metrics

Every Luminex inflammation panel assay includes a comprehensive data package with full quality control documentation.

Data Package
  • Raw fluorescence intensities (.csv)
  • Calculated concentrations (pg/mL) with dilution factors applied
  • Inflammatory balance ratios (IL-6/IL-10, TNF-α/IL-10, IL-1β/IL-1RA) — optional
  • 5PL standard curves for each analyte (R² >0.99)
  • Full QC report (.xlsx format)
Quality Control
  • Standard curve: 7-point dilution series, 5PL fit
  • Intra-assay CV <10% (duplicate measurements)
  • Inter-assay CV <15%
  • Spike recovery: 80–120% in serum/plasma matrix
Assay Performance
  • Duplicate measurements for all samples
  • Bridge sample for multi-plate normalization
  • Method summary with reagent lot numbers
  • LLOD and LLOQ per analyte reported
  • Platform: Luminex xMAP, MAGPIX, Luminex 200, FLEXMAP 3D

Related Panels

Inflammation underlies most diseases. Explore panels that complement the core inflammation panel for specific disease areas.

Human Cytokine Storm Panel
  • Targets: IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-8, MCP-1
  • Platform: Luminex
  • Plex: 21-Plex
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Human Complement Factor Panel
  • Targets: C1q, C3, C4, Factor B, Properdin
  • Platform: Luminex
  • Plex: 7-8-Plex
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Human Chemokine Panel
  • Targets: CXC, CC, C, CX3C subfamilies
  • Platform: Luminex
  • Plex: Multiplex
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Human Growth Factor Panel
  • Targets: EGF, FGF, VEGF, HGF, PDGF
  • Platform: Luminex
  • Plex: 11-Plex
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Human Immune Checkpoint 37-Plex
  • Targets: PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, B7-H3
  • Platform: Luminex
  • Plex: 37-Plex
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Mouse Inflammatory Panel
  • Targets: Mouse-specific inflammatory cytokines
  • Platform: Luminex
  • Plex: Multiplex
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Rat Inflammatory Cytokine Panel
  • Targets: IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-10, MCP-1
  • Platform: Luminex
  • Plex: 10-Plex
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Human MMP Panel
  • Targets: MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1
  • Platform: Luminex
  • Plex: Multiplex
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Human Th1/Th2 Cytokine Panel
  • Targets: IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, TNF-α
  • Platform: Luminex
  • Plex: 6 to 12-Plex
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Human Angiogenesis Panel
  • Targets: VEGF, FGF-2, HGF, PDGF, Angiopoietin-2
  • Platform: Luminex
  • Plex: Multiplex
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Human Adipokine Panel
  • Targets: Leptin, Adiponectin, Resistin, Visfatin, Chemerin
  • Platform: Luminex
  • Plex: Multiplex
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Rat Kidney Toxicity Panel
  • Targets: KIM-1, Clusterin, Cystatin C, NGAL, Osteopontin
  • Platform: Luminex
  • Plex: 4/5-Plex
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← All Human PanelsBrowse species overview

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Inflammation Panel

Common questions about our human inflammation Luminex multiplex panel service.

Which plex configuration should I choose — 20, 37, or 48?
The 20-plex covers the core pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, chemokine, and adhesion molecule markers needed for routine inflammation profiling. The 37-plex adds emerging mediators (APRIL, BAFF, Pentraxin-3), soluble receptors (sTNF-R1/R2), and expanded chemokines. The 48-plex provides maximum coverage including growth factors and additional soluble receptors. Choose the 20-plex if you have established analytes of interest; choose the 37 or 48-plex for biomarker discovery or comprehensive immune phenotyping. All configurations use the same sample volume (25 μL).
Why is the IL-6/IL-10 ratio more informative than IL-6 alone?
IL-6 tells you inflammation is present. The IL-6/IL-10 ratio tells you whether the body is adequately regulating that inflammation. An individual with IL-6 = 100 pg/mL and IL-10 = 50 pg/mL (ratio = 2) has a better-regulated inflammatory response than an individual with IL-6 = 100 pg/mL and IL-10 = 5 pg/mL (ratio = 20), because the former is mounting an effective counter-regulatory response. This ratio has been validated in sepsis, COVID-19, trauma, and autoimmune disease research. Single-analyte measurement of IL-6 alone misses this critical regulatory dimension.
Can I customize the panel by adding or removing specific analytes?
Yes. All 90+ analytes in our inflammation library are individually configurable. You can start from any standard configuration and add or remove targets. Common customizations include: adding RANTES for T cell/eosinophil recruitment, adding TSLP for allergic inflammation, or removing analytes that are not relevant to your research question. Contact us with your target list for a custom panel configuration and quotation.
Can the inflammation panel be combined with other Luminex panels from the same sample?
Yes. Each panel requires only 25 μL of sample. A single 0.5 mL serum aliquot supports up to 10 separate multiplex panels. Common combinations include: inflammation panel + cytokine panel, inflammation panel + chemokine panel, and inflammation panel + soluble checkpoint protein panel. We can coordinate all panels from the same sample submission to maximize data from each precious sample.
What are the expected ranges for key inflammatory cytokines in healthy serum?
In healthy human serum, typical ranges are: IL-6: 1–10 pg/mL, TNF-α: 1–15 pg/mL, IL-1β: often below LLOD (<1 pg/mL), IL-10: 1–20 pg/mL, IL-8: 5–50 pg/mL, MCP-1: 100–500 pg/mL, VEGF: 50–300 pg/mL. These ranges are highly platform- and population-dependent and should not be used as clinical reference ranges. Published values can vary 10–100 fold between studies for the same analyte. We recommend including healthy control samples in every study rather than relying on literature values.
Is this panel suitable for measuring inflammation in non-serum samples?
Yes. The panel is validated for serum, EDTA/heparin plasma, and cell culture supernatants. For non-standard matrices (CSF, BAL fluid, synovial fluid, urine, tissue homogenates), matrix validation may be required. Contact us with your sample type for a feasibility assessment. Non-standard matrices often require different dilution factors and may have different LLOQs than serum/plasma.

Interested in Inflammation Cytokine Profiling?

Contact us to discuss your inflammation panel configuration (20 to 48-plex), custom analyte selection, and sample requirements. We respond within 24 hours.

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