Overview
Rat Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced primarily by activated T cells, mast cells, and basophils. It plays a central role in modulating immune responses, particularly by driving the differentiation of naïve T cells into Th2 cells and enhancing antibody production by B cells. IL-4 is widely used in biomedical research to study allergic responses, parasitic infections, and autoimmune diseases. As a research reagent, Rat IL-4 is typically available as a recombinant protein produced in E. coli or mammalian expression systems. Its biological activity is measured in units (U) or ng/mL, with suppliers often providing detailed specifications including endotoxin levels and carrier proteins.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Rat IL-4 is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 15-20 kDa in its glycosylated form. The non-glycosylated recombinant variant expressed in E. coli has a lower molecular weight (~12-14 kDa). The protein is stable in neutral pH buffers (e.g., PBS) but may degrade under extreme pH conditions or prolonged exposure to room temperature. Lyophilized Rat IL-4 can be reconstituted in sterile water or buffer, yielding a clear solution. The protein exhibits typical cytokine stability, requiring storage at -20°C for long-term preservation. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided to prevent aggregation or loss of activity.
Main Applications
In research settings, Rat IL-4 is primarily employed to study Th2-mediated immune responses, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, and helminth infections. It is used to polarize T cells in vitro, stimulate B cell proliferation, and validate ELISA or flow cytometry assays. The cytokine is also applied in co-culture systems to investigate macrophage alternative activation (M2 polarization). Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies utilize Rat IL-4 as a reference standard in drug development, particularly for therapies targeting IL-4 receptors or downstream signaling pathways. Its role in antibody class switching makes it relevant for vaccine research.
Safety and Storage
Rat IL-4 is classified as a low-hazard reagent but requires standard biosafety level 1 (BSL-1) handling precautions. Gloves and lab coats should be worn during reconstitution to prevent contamination. The lyophilized powder is stable for 12-24 months when stored at -20°C in a desiccated environment. Reconstituted solutions are typically stable for 1-2 weeks at 4°C or 3-6 months when aliquoted and stored at -20°C. Avoid vortexing during reconstitution; gentle pipetting is recommended. Suppliers provide Lot-specific Certificates of Analysis (CoA) detailing endotoxin levels (<1 EU/μg) and sterility testing results.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing Rat IL-4, prioritize suppliers with ISO 9001 certification and documented quality control procedures. Key specifications to verify include purity (>95% by SDS-PAGE), biological activity (e.g., ED50 ≤ 0.2 ng/mL in TF-1 cell proliferation assays), and absence of carrier proteins (e.g., BSA) unless required for stabilization. Bulk purchasers should request custom purity and formulation options. Lead times vary; recombinant proteins from catalog suppliers typically ship within 1-2 weeks, while GMP-grade material may require 4-8 weeks. Negotiate volume discounts for orders exceeding 1 mg. Consider requesting samples for validation before large-scale purchases.
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