IL-4 is produced mainly by a subpopulation of activated T cells (Th2) which are the biologically most active helper cells for B cells and which also secrete IL-5 and IL-6. Another subpopulation (Th1) also produces IL-4 albeit to a lesser extent. Non-T/Non-B cells of the lineage of mast cells also produce IL-4. The extracellular domain of the IL-4 receptor is related to the receptors for Epo, IL-6, and the beta chain of the IL-2 receptor. It has been given the name CD124. Two types of IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) exist: the type 1 receptor is a heterodimer consisting of CD132 and IL-4R-alpha. The type 2 receptor is a heterodimer consisting of IL-4R-alpha and IL-13R-alpha-1. The biological activities of IL-4 are species-specific; mouse IL-4 is inactive on human cells and human IL-4 is inactive on murine cells. IL-4 promotes the proliferation and differentiation of activated B cells, the expression of MHC class 2 antigens, and of low affinity IgE receptors in resting B-cells. IL-4 is probably an autocrine growth modulator for Hodgkins lymphomas.
Alternative Names
B cell growth factor 1 ; B cell stimulatory factor 1 ; BSF-1 ; IGG1 induction factor ; Lymphocyte stimulatory factor 1 ; IL-4 ; B cell IgG differentiation factor
Quantity
10 µg
Regulatory
RUO
Source
E. coli
Host
Mouse
Endotoxin Level
<1.0 EU/μg of recombinant protein as determined by the LAL method.
Biological Activity Comment
The ED(50) was determined by the dose-dependent stimulation of the proliferation of human TF-1 cells is ≤ 0.4 ng/mL, corresponding to a specific activity of ≥ 2.0 x 10^6 units/mg.
Weight
14.0 kDa
Description
A quick spin of the vial followed by reconstitution in distilled water to a concentration not less than 0.1 mg/mL. This solution can then be diluted into other buffers.
Format
Lyophilized PowderInterleukin-4 was lyophilized from a 0.2 μm filtered solution in PBS, pH 7.
Purity
>95% as determined by SDS-PAGE
Storage
The lyophilized protein is stable for at least one year from date of receipt at -70°C. Upon reconstitution, this cytokine can be stored in working aliquots at 2° - 8°C for one month, or at -20°C for six months, with a carrier protein without detectable loss of activity. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.