Description
Biological activity
Background information
IL-6, originally identified as a B cell differentiation factor, is a multifunctional cytokine, which regulates immune responses, hematopoiesis, acute phase responses, and inflammatory reactions. It induces, for instance, the terminal maturation of activated B cells into antibody-secreting plasma cells and acts in synergy with IL-3 to support the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells. IL-6 is produced by many cell types, such as monocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, T cells, etc. Disturbed IL-6 production has been associated with pathological processes including inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.
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-6 (interleukin 6) can promote differentiation of B and T cells (Th17) and can stimulate proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells or hybridoma cells. The pleiotropic cytokine has crucial function, such as in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses or hematopoiesis. Recombinant human IL-6 is specifically developed for use in cell culture, differentiation studies, and functional assays.
