Development and validation of an ELISA for quantification of soluble IFN-β receptor: assessment in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Aim: The soluble isoform of the IFN-β receptor (sIFNAR2) can bind IFN-β and modulate its activity, although its role in autoimmune diseases remains unknown. Methods: A recombinant human sIFNAR2 protein was cloned, expressed and purified after which we developed and validated an ELISA for its quantification in human serum. Serum sIFNAR2 were assessed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy controls. Results: The ELISA has a dynamic range of 3.9–250 ng/ml and a detection limit of 2.44 ng/ml. Serum sIFNAR2 were significantly lower in untreated-MS patients than in healthy controls. Conclusion: The ELISA is suitable for quantification of sIFNAR2 in serum and should facilitate the study of sIFNAR2 in neuroimmunological diseases such as MS.