Interleukin 4, Recombinant, Mouse (Interleukin-4, IL-4, IL4, B Cell Stimulatory Factor 1, BSF-1, Lym

IL-4 is produced by T cells, NK T cells, gamma delta cells, and mast cells (1). Target cells include B cells, T cells, and macrophages (1). IL-4 induces the polarization of naïve helper T cells into the TH2 phenotype (1,2). IL-4 also promotes B cell proliferation, antibody class switching and the production other TH2 cytokines including IL-5 and IL-9. IL-4 induced TH2 polarization is important in developing humoral immunity against extracellular pathogens (1) and is involved in the development of allergy and asthma (3). IL-4 binds to two distinct receptors, the Type I receptor and Type II receptor. Type I receptor is a heterodimer consisting of IL-4Ralpha chain and the common gamma chain, gc (4,5). Type II receptor, which is shared with IL-13, is a heterodimer of IL-4Ra and IL-13Ra1. Signaling initiated via Type I receptor results in the activation of Jak1/Stat6, Jak3 and the PI3K/Akt pathways (4). The Type II receptor activates the Jak1/Stat6 and the Tyk2/Stat3 pathways (4). Source: Recombinant corresponding to His21-Ser140 from mouse IL-4 expressed in human 293 cells (NP_067258). Molecular Weight: Recombinant mIL-4 contains no "tags" and the nonglycosylated protein has a calculated MW of 13,557. DTT-reduced and non-reduced protein migrate as 16kD polypeptide due to glycosylation. The expected amino-terminal HIHGC of recombinant mIL-4 was verified by amino acid sequencing. Biological Activity: Determined in an HT-2 cell proliferation assay. The ED50 is 100-400pg/ml. Storage and Stability: Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Stable for 12 months at -20°C. Reconstitute with sterile buffer or ddH2O. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Reconstituted product is stable for 6 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.