Description
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional α-helical cytokine that regulates cell growth and differentiation of various tissues, which is known particularly for its role in the immune response and acute phase reactions. IL-6 protein is secreted by a variety of cell types including T cells and macrophages as a phosphorylated and variably glycosylated molecule. It exerts actions through its heterodimeric receptor composed of IL-6R that lacks the tyrosine/kinase domain and binds IL-6 with low affinity, and ubiquitously expressed glycoprotein 130 (gp130) that binds the IL-6. IL-6R complex with high affinity and thus transduces signals. IL-6 is also involved in hematopoiesis, bone metabolism, and cancer progression, and has been defined as an essential role in directing the transition from innate to acquired immunity.
Form
Lyophilized from sterile 40% acetonitrile, 0.1% TFA, 5 % trehalose, 5% mannitol and 0.01% Tween80.
Molecular Mass
The recombinant rat IL6 consists of 188 amino acids and has a predicted molecular mass of 21.9 kDa. As a result of glycosylation, the apparent molecular mass of the recombinant protein is approximately 22 kDa in SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions.
