General description
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 conjunction) 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 (gc) 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 IL-21 is a 15.0 kDa protein consisting of 132 amino acid residues.
Biochem/physiol Actions
IL-21 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by CD4+ T cells in response to antigenic stimulation. Recombinant human IL-21 is a 15.0 kDa protein consisting of 132 amino acid residues.
Physical form
Lyophilized from 10 mM Sodium Phosphate, pH 7.6.
Preparation Note
Centrifuge the vial prior to opening. Reconstitute in water to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/ml. Do not vortex. This solution can be stored at 2-8°C for up to 1 week. For extended storage, it is recommended to further dilute in a buffer containing a stabilizer (example 5% Trehalose) and store in working aliquots at -20°C to -80°C.
Other Notes
MQDRHMIRMR QLIDIVDQLK NYVNDLVPEF LPAPEDVETN CEWSAFSCFQ KAQLKSANTG NNERIINVSI KKLKRKPPST NAGRRQKHRL TCPSCDSYEK KPPKEFLERF KSLLQKMIHQ HLSSRTHGSE DS
| biological source | human |
| recombinant | expressed in E. coli |
| assay | ≥98% (HPLC),≥98% (SDS-PAGE) |
| form | lyophilized |
| mol wt | 15.0 kDa |
| packaging | pkg of 10 μg |
| technique(s) | cell culture | mammalian: suitable |
| impurities | <0.1 EU/μg endotoxin, tested |
| color | white to off-white |
| UniProt accession no. | Q9HBE4 |
| shipped in | wet ice |
| storage temp. | −20°C |
| Gene Information | human ... IL21(59067) |
