Immunology Lipidomics Services for Inflammatory Signaling

Emerging Trends

Research published in high-impact journals such as Nature Immunology and Cell has redefined inflammation as an active, two-phase process: an initiation phase characterized by the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, and a resolution phase driven by specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) analysis. The biological "class switch" from arachidonic acid-derived prostaglandins to EPA- and DHA-derived resolvins is now recognized as the critical regulatory node in tissue homeostasis.

Modern inflammatory lipid mediator profiling enables the simultaneous monitoring of hundreds of distinct oxygenated fatty acid species. This high-dimensional data is essential for understanding how the immune system actively clears apoptotic cells—a process known as efferocytosis—and signals for tissue repair. By integrating quantitative eicosanoid analysis into standard immunological workflows, researchers can identify the specific metabolic bottlenecks that lead to chronic inflammatory states or immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment.

Advanced Antioxidant Shielding and Cold-Chain Integrity

To protect highly unsaturated immune response signaling lipids from ex vivo degradation, we utilize customized quenching buffers containing BHT and EDTA. All samples are processed in a temperature-controlled environment (4°C) using rapid extraction techniques to minimize the risk of autoxidation, maintaining commonly reported CVs of <15% for eicosanoid species.

Isomer-Specific MRM Transitions and High-Resolution LC

We achieve baseline chromatographic separation of critical structural isomers, such as Resolvin D1 vs. D2 and various prostaglandins. This is paired with specific Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) transitions on the Sciex QTRAP 6500 Plus system, which prevents signal crosstalk and ensures that quantitative eicosanoid analysis accurately reflects the biological state of your samples.

Ultra-Low Detection Limits for Trace Mediators

Utilizing the latest generation of triple-quadrupole and hybrid ion-trap mass spectrometers, our targeted panels achieve lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) in the sub-pg/mL range. This sensitivity is a non-negotiable requirement for specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) analysis, as these species often circulate at concentrations several orders of magnitude lower than primary fatty acids.

Absolute Quantification via Stable Isotope Dilution

Every targeted panel incorporates stable isotope-labeled internal standards (deuterated or 13C-labeled) for each major lipid class. This allows for the correction of matrix effects and extraction recovery, providing the true absolute concentration necessary for cross-study comparisons and regulatory submissions.