LPS Activation of MAPK Signaling in Whole Blood Samples

LPS (lipopolysaccharide) is known to activate multiple signaling pathways in peripheral blood monocytes via the Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) complex. Following LPS exposure, monocytes rapidly activate all three major MAP Kinase pathways – ERK, p38, and SAP/JNK, in addition to PI3 Kinase and IKK/NFkB pathways. This application note describes a procedure for monitoring these signaling pathways in whole blood samples using flow cytometry.