Luke O'Neill and Andrew Bowie bring together a collection of standard and advanced methods for measuring these powerful agents. Their readily reproducible techniques range from the assay of interleukin protein and mRNA - using ELISA, FACS, and RT-PCR - to the study of interleukin signal transduction. Newer techniques are also covered, including the analysis of interleukin gene polymorphisms and the use of cDNA microarrays. Many of the assays are geared to specific pathologies, including breast cancer, depression, psoriasis, Grave’s disease, migraine, and myocardial infarction. Comprehensive and highly practical, Interleukin Protocols offers biomedical investigators a stellar collection of all the major techniques needed to analyze the role of interleukins in disease, to improve diagnosis, and to foster the rapid emergence of new and more powerful therapeutics.