Merck, I1288-25UG, IL28β human

General description
Recombinant human IL28β is expressed in HEK 293 cells with a calculated molecular mass of ~20 kDa. This protein is manufactured in human cells using an all-human production system, with full chemically defined ingredients and with no serum. The human cells expression system allows human-like folding, and often supports better stability of the protein in culture. The protein is produced with no artificial tags.
Biochem/physiol Actions
IL28β is a newly-discovered type III interferon, with antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory functions. Type III IFNs share homology with IL-10 and the IL-10R2 receptor subunit, leading to the speculation that these cytokines might be evolutionarily related. It was recently found that polymorphisms in IFN-lambda-4 (another type III interferon) are associated with circulating IL28β, and higher plasma IL28β are associated with higher production of antibodies to HBV surface antigen. IL28β is associated with the extent of lupus activity, in particular with active serosal and cutaneous disease. Combined treatment with IL28β and sorafenib (a small molecule multikinase inhibitor) facilitates a synergistic effect on suppressing hepatocellular carcinoma cancer growth and promoting cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.