Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a multifunctional signaling substance involved in local and systemic inflammation. Its primary function is the regulation of various immune cells and is therefore mainly secreted by macrophages. TNF-α can induce fever, apoptotic cell death, cachexia, and inflammation. A Dysregulation of TNF-α in the human body is associated with diseases like Alzheimer's disease, cancer, major depression, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The instaCELL TNF-α potency assay kit is an in vitro test to determine the potency of recombinant TNF-α proteins for quality control. The assay utilizes the cytotoxic effect of TNF-α on the well-established mouse fibroblast cell line L‑929. The assay kit uses a Resazurin viability assay to analyze the potency of the TNF-α product and compares it to a defined standard.

The instaCELL TNF-α potency assay kit includes prequalified Assay Ready L-929 Cells as well as media, reagents, international TNF-α standard control, and 96-well plate to perform the assay. Assay Ready Cells are frozen cell aliquots which can be used directly in the assay without prior cultivation, basically like a reagent.