The multifunctional factor interleukin 6 (IL-6) exerts its activities through binding to a high-affinity receptor complex consisting of two membrane glycoproteins: an 80kD component receptor that binds IL-6 with low affinity (IL-6 R) and a signal-transducing component of 130kD (gp130) that does not bind IL-6 by itself, but is required for high-affinity binding of IL-6 by the complex. Both components of the receptor complex, IL-6 R and gp130 have been cloned, sequenced, and expressed.
A soluble form of the IL-6 R has been found in the urine of healthy adult humans. This soluble receptor apparently arises from proteolytic cleavage of membrane-bound IL-6 R. No naturally-occurring mRNA encoding a truncated form of the IL-6 R has been reported. Soluble forms of human and murine IL-6 Rs have been constructed, however, by insertion of termination codons into the regions of the IL-6 R cDNAs encoding the external portions of the receptors prior to the transmembrane domains. These soluble receptors have been expressed in COS-7 and CHO cells and have been shown to bind to IL-6 in solution and to augment the activity of IL-6 as a result of the binding of the IL-6/IL-6 R complex to membrane-bound gp130.
Applications:
Suitable for use in Flow Cytometry. Other applications not tested.
Recommended Dilution:
Flow Cytometry: Use 10ul to label 10e6 cells.
Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
Storage and Stability:
May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, add sterile glycerol (40-50%), aliquot and store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for at least 6 months at -20 degrees C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.