Quantitative simultaneous multiplex real-time PCR for the detection of porcine cytokines.

We have established an easy real-time PCR assay, which allows the precise quantification of changes in the expression level of 6 relevant porcine cytokines, and 3 housekeeping genes. This assay simultaneously detects 9 sequences by measuring 3 x 3 targets in a triplex-format. The mRNA of the lymphokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-gamma, of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1alpha and IL-6, and of the housekeeping genes are quantified using TaqMan-probes by means of standard dilution series on the iCycler iQ. The standard consists of equal aliquots of the experimental cDNAs under investigation. Simultaneously the most suitable combination of 3 out of the four housekeeping genes beta-actin, HPRT, GAPDH, and cyclophilin can be selected, and their averaged expression values constitute a normalisation factor. The raw data of all targets of interest is then calculated relative to this normalisation factor, making eventual changes of the relative expression level of the single housekeeping genes controllable and quantifiable. We have applied this assay to quantify changes in the cytokine mRNA levels of porcine stimulated with various concentrations of LPS and ConA, known to induce different cytokine expression patterns. We have shown, that even small differences in the expression level (less than 2-fold) can be precisely quantified, and reveal statistically significant changes, when using the normalisation factor. This assay will be useful for studying changes in the expression of relevant porcine cytokines and will help to further improve the investigation of immune responses in the pig.