IL-4 Recombinant Protein

IL-4 is a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates diverse T and B cell responses including cell proliferation, survival and gene expression. Produced by mast cells, T cells and bone marrow stromal cells, IL-4 regulates the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into helper Th2 cells, characterized by their cytokine-secretion profile that includes secretion of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13, which favor a humoral immune response. Another dominant function of IL-4 is the regulation of immunoglobulin class switching to the IgG1 and IgE isotypes. Excessive IL-4 production by Th2 cells has been associated with elevated IgE production and allergy. Recombinant murine IL-4 is a 13.5 kDa globular protein containing 120 amino acid residues.

The lyophilized IL-4 recombinant protein is stable for at least 2 years from date of receipt at -20˚ C. Reconstituted IL-4 is stable for at least 3 months when stored in working aliquots with a carrier protein at -20˚ C. As with any protein, exposing IL-4 recombinant protein to repeated freeze / thaw cycles is not recommended. When working with proteins care should be taken to keep recombinant protein at a cool and stable temperature.