Measurement of cytokine production by the monocytic cell line Mono Mac 6 using novel immunoradiometric assays for interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6.

Immunoradiometric assays for interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6 were developed using affinity-purified IgG fractions from antisera initially raised for radioimmunoassay. Capture and detector functions were carried out by the same antibody preparation within each assay. The assays were precise, rapid and 6-8-fold more sensitive than the RIA systems previously employed. IRMAs were used for the initial characterisation of a candidate cell line (Mono Mac 6), under investigation in a 'monocyte test' for pyrogen detection, and permitted rapid and specific determination of the cytokines under stimulatory and inhibitory conditions.