Description
Biological activity
Background information
Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a pleiotropic cytokine and plays a central role in humoral and adaptive immune responses. IL-4 is predominantly secreted by activated CD4+ memory and effector Tʜ2 cells, basophils, and mast cells. It promotes the proliferation and differentiation of B cells, as well as immunoglobulin isotype switching, and MHC class II antigen and low-affinity IgE receptor expression. Furthermore, IL-4 induces the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into helper Tʜ2 cells, while suppressing Tʜ1 development, and promotes chemotaxis of mast cells and basophils. Excessive IL-4 production and mechanisms involving Tʜ2 types have been associated with immunological disorders, such as IgE-mediated allergy.
Quality description
Research-grade cytokines are suitable for a wide variety of cell culture applications. They are sterile-filtered prior to lyophilization. Generally, endotoxin levels are <0.1 ng/μg (<1 EU/μg), and purities are >95%. The biological activity is tested in appropriate bioassays.
Premium-grade cytokines offer the convenience of high and well-defined biological activities and allow exact unit dosing for demanding applications. The biological activity is determined after lyophilization and reconstitution, and normalized to WHO/NIBSC standards whenever available. In general, endotoxin levels are <0.01 ng/μg (<0.1 EU/μg), and purities are >97%. Lot-specific activities are stated in the Certificate of Analysis (www. miltenyibiotec.com/certificates).
Overview
Recombinant human IL-4 (interleukin 4) can be used for Tʜ2 differentiation of T cells and stimulation of B cells. The pleiotropic cytokine is associated with allergies and asthma, as it plays a central role in humoral and adaptive immune responses. The recombinant protein IL-4 is optimized for use in functional assays, differentiation studies, and cell culture.
