Evaluation of Antibodies in Clinical Trials of Cytokines

A key component for the success of any therapeutic cytokine is the degree of immunogenicity mediated by the cytokine. There are many factors that can contribute to a cytokine being immunogenic, such as aggregation. The understanding of cytokine immunogenicity requires a thorough knowledge of the antibody testing that was performed. Some of the methods used to test for antibodies against cytokines are the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, radioimmune precipitation assay, electrochemiluminescence, and surface plasmon resonance platforms. To understand whether an anticytokine antibody can neutralize the biological effect of a cytokine, it is necessary to perform a bioassay. The significance of cytokine immunogenicity can only be understood in the context of antibody testing data coupled with clinical data related to effects on the patient.