NORSE-ICM Project
Cytokine Platform
Rapid, standardized inflammatory profiling for NORSE patients across Europe
12
Inflammatory markers
926
Serum samples analyzed
396
CSF samples analyzed
<7 days
Turnaround time
What we offer
The Cytokine Platform of the NORSE-ICM Project provides rapid and standardized inflammatory profiling for patients presenting with NORSE across Europe. Led by Dr. Aurélie Hanin, our platform enables comprehensive analysis of 12 key inflammatory markers to help clinicians and researchers understand disease pathophysiology during both acute and chronic phases.
Key Advantage
Average turnaround time of <7 days from sample receipt to results delivery.
Similar analyses are conducted at Yale University for patients enrolled in the US/Canada. Learn more at the NORSE Institute →
Platform specifications
12 inflammatory markers measured by cytometric bead array (CBA) technology
Plate 1
- CCL2 (Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1)
- CCL3 (Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1α)
- IL-2 (Interleukin-2)
- IL-6 (Interleukin-6)
- CXCL8/IL-8 (Interleukin-8)
- G-CSF (Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor)
Plate 2
- IL-1β (Interleukin-1 beta)
- IL-4 (Interleukin-4)
- IL-10 (Interleukin-10)
- IL-12p70 (Interleukin-12p70)
- IL-17A (Interleukin-17A)
- TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha)
Preliminary results & impact
Updated: September 14, 2026
926
Serum Samples Analyzed
396
CSF Samples Analyzed
These analyses have identified distinct inflammatory profiles among patients with cryptogenic NORSE, highlighting:
🔬
Cytokine-based patient stratification
🧠
Inflammatory pathways
📊
Potential biomarkers for treatment response
NORSE Profiles
Active researchInflammatory signature stratification in patients with NORSE/FIRES
Platform Preview
NORSE Profiles is a translational research initiative focused on identifying inflammatory endotypes in NORSE through extended cytokine profiling.
Rather than relying on single biomarkers, the platform models cytokines as integrated biological networks — supporting precision medicine and guiding targeted immunotherapy selection.
3
Publications
4
Researchers
Core development team
Published results
Peer-reviewed publications from the cytokine platform
Graph-based analysis of inflammatory profiles in New Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE)
Denis et al.
Identification of Distinct Biological Groups of Patients With Cryptogenic NORSE via Inflammatory Profiling
Guillemaud et al.
PMID: 40334176 | PMCID: PMC12063244 | DOI: 10.1212/NXI.0000000000200403
Cytokines in New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus Predict Outcomes
Hanin et al.
PMID: 36871188 | DOI: 10.1002/ana.26627
How to access the platform
Contact us
Send us your clinical information, cohort size and research question
Collect & ship
Follow our protocol and ship samples in dry ice
Receive results
Get your cytokine report within 7 days
Platform coordinator: Dr. Aurélie Hanin
We will provide:
- ✓Sample collection instructions
- ✓Shipping logistics
- ✓Data analysis and interpretation
- ✓Results delivery typically within 7 days (for research use only)
- ✓Confidential and secure data handling
Sample collection protocol
Serum Samples
- ✓Use red-top serum tubes (non-anticoagulant)
- ✓Centrifuge (1,500 g, 10 min, RT) within 2 hours
- ✓Separate into microtubes (250 µL per aliquot)
- ✓Maintain sterile conditions
CSF Samples
- ✓Lumbar puncture using sterile technique
- ✓Collect in sterile tubes without additives
- ✓Centrifuge (1,500 g, 10 min, RT) within 2 hours
- ✓Separate supernatant (250 µL per aliquot)
Storage & Transport
- ✓Store aliquots at -80°C
- ✓Ship with dry ice
- ✓Transport fees in Europe supported by ICM
- ✓Include collection time & patient ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question to expand the answer.
CostWhat is the cost of cytokine analysis?+
Cytokine analyses are supported by the NORSE-ICM research team. There is no cost for clinicians.
CapacityHow many samples can you process simultaneously?+
Our platform can measure up to 36 samples per analysis run. This allows us to maintain our rapid turnaround time (<7 days) while ensuring high-quality standardized results.
SamplesCan you analyze retrospectively collected samples?+
Yes, we can analyze samples that were collected retrospectively, if they have been collected following our protocol and stored at -80°C without being thawed and refrozen.
ProtocolCan samples be collected at different time points?+
Yes. Longitudinal sampling at multiple time points provides valuable information about inflammatory dynamics throughout the disease course.
QualityWhat quality control measures are in place?+
All analyses include controls, standard curves, and documented quality parameters.
ResultsHow are results reported?+
Results are provided as cytokine concentrations (pg/mL) in a detailed report with interpretative notes when available.
SamplesAre both serum and CSF analysis necessary?+
Ideally, paired serum and CSF samples provide the most comprehensive view of inflammatory responses, as CSF often reflects compartmentalized CNS inflammation. However, serum alone is acceptable if CSF collection is not feasible.
Get in touch
Interested in submitting samples or collaborating with our cytokine platform?
Dr. Aurélie Hanin — Co-Principal Investigator, ICM NORSE Project
aurelie.hanin@icm-institute.org →We are happy to help!