Gibco™ Human IL-21 Recombinant Protein 

Description

Carrier-Free Reconstitution: We recommend that this vial be briefly centrifuged prior to opening to bring the contents to the bottom. Reconstitute lyophilized recombinant human IL-21 in sterile, distilled water to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/mL. Further dilutions should be made in low endotoxin medium or a buffered solution containing a carrier protein such as heat inactivated FCS or tissue culture grade BSA. Storage: Store lyophilized recombinant human IL-21 at 2°C to 8°C, preferably desiccated. Upon reconstitution, apportion into working aliquots and store at ≤-20°C. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

IL-21 is a 17 kDa immunomodulatory cytokine produced mainly by Natural Killer Cells (NKT), T helper (Th) 17 and T follicular helper (TFH) cells. In TFH cells, IL-21 expression leads to autocrine signaling through the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) and STAT3, which leads to additional transcriptional activation by Bcl6. As with IFN gamma for Th1 and IL-4 for Th2 cells, IL-21 is critical for TFH cell development and effector function. IL-21 plays a role in T cell-dependent B cell differentiation into plasma cells and memory cells, stimulation of IgG production and induction of apoptotic signaling in naive B cells. In Th17 cells, IL-21 expression and autocrine feedback through STAT3, IRF4 and ROR gamma t lead to upregulation of the IL-23R, thereby preparing Th17 cells for maturation and maintenance by the inflammatory cytokine IL-23. While upregulating IRF4 and ROR gamma t, IL-21 also mediates the downregulation of Foxp3. IL-21 deficient mice are protected from developing colitis upon chemical treatment by their inability to upregulate Th17-associated molecules. In comparison, elevated levels of IL-21 are present in chemically-induced colitis mouse models.