Flt-3 Ligand

Flt3‐Ligand is a growth factor that regulates proliferation of early hematopoietic cells. Flt3‐Ligand binds to cells expressing the tyrosine kinase receptor Flt3. Flt3‐Ligand, by itself does not stimulate proliferation of early hematopoietic cells, but synergizes with other CSFs and interleukins to induce growth and differentiation. Unlike SCF, Flt3‐Ligand exerts no activity on mast cells. Multiple isoforms of Flt3‐Ligand have been identified. The predominant biologically active form is anchored to the cell surface as the extracellular domain of a transmembrane protein (209 a.a.) . The membrane‐bound isoform can be proteolytically cleaved to generate a biologically active soluble isoform. Recombinant Rat Flt3‐Ligand is a soluble 18.3 kDa protein consisting of 162 amino acid residues.