Recombinant Human IL-21

The lyophilized protein is stable at 2-8C. Upon receipt, store desiccated at -20C. After reconstitution, the preparation is stable for up to one week at 2-8C. For maximal stability, apportion the reconstituted preparation into working aliquots and store at -20C to -80C. For long term storage of reconstituted protein, it is recommended that a carrier protein such as 0.1% BSA or HSA be added. This depends on the particular application. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

IL-21 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by CD4+ T cells in response to antigenic stimulation. Its action generally enhances antigen-specific responses of immune cells. The biological effects of IL-21 include induction of differentiation of T-cells-stimulated B-cells into plasma cells and memory B-cells, stimulation (in con-juction) with IL-4 of IgG production, and induction of apoptotic effects in naïve B-cells and stimulated B-cells in the absence of T-cell signaling. Additionally, IL-21 promotes the anti-tumor activity of CD8+ T-cells and NK cells. IL-21 exerts its effect through binding to a specific type I cytokine receptor, IL-21R, which also contains the gamma chain (γ, c) found in other cytokine receptors including IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9 and IL-15. The IL-21/IL-21R interaction triggers a cascade of events which includes activation of the tyrosine kinases JAK1 and JAK3, followed by activation of the transcription factors STAT1 and STAT3. Recombinant Human Interleukin-21 is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 133 amino acids.

Centrifuge vial prior to opening. Add sterile distilled water or aqueous buffer to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/ml. Further dilutions should be made in appropriate buffered solutions.

Fully biologically active when compared to standard. The ED50 determined by a cell proliferation assay using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells is <10 ng/ml.