Cytokines

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) is a potent pleiotrophic cytokine produced by white blood cells, endothelium, and several other normal and tumour cells in response to a wide variety of stimuli. TNF alpha is involved in the pathophysiological processes of several chronic and acute diseases, including the induction of apoptosis and up regulation of inflammation. Recombinant TNF alpha comprises a 157 amino acid fragment (77-233) corresponding to the mature soluble TNF alpha chain protein. TNF alpha is expressed in E. coli with an amino-terminal hexahistidine tag.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) is an inducible glycoprotein, which is synthesized by many different cell types. TIMP-1 binds in a reversible fashion to matrix metalloproteinases, with regions in the N-terminal domain binding to the MMP substrate-binding site. TIMP-1 stimulates erythropoiesis and inhibits apoptosis in B-cells. Recombinant TIMP-1 comprises a 184 amino acid fragment (24-207) corresponding to the mature TIMP-1 protein and is expressed in E. coli with an amino-terminal hexahistidine tag.

RANTES (acronym for Regulated upon Activation, Normal T-cell Expressed, and presumably Secreted) is a member of the beta (CC) chemokine subfamily and is predominantly produced from T cells and platelets. RANTES has been shown to be a chemoattractant factor for monocytes, CD4+/CD45RO+ T lymphocytes and basophils. It has also been shown to induce the proliferation and activation of killer cells and acts as a HIV suppressive factor. Recombinant RANTES comprises a 68 amino acid fragment (24-91) corresponding to the mature RANTES protein and is expressed in E.

Interleukin-12 beta (IL-12 beta) is a cytokine that can act as a growth factor for activated T and NK cells. IL-12 beta enhances the lytic activity of NK/lymphokine-activated killer cells, and stimulates the production of IFN-gamma by resting PBMC. IL-12 beta associates with IL23A to form IL-23, a heterodimeric cytokine which functions in innate and adaptive immunity. Defects in IL12 beta are a cause of mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD), also known as familial disseminated atypical mycobacterial infection.

Genetic variation in Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1RN) is associated with susceptibility to microvascular complications of diabetes type 4 (MVCD4). These are pathological conditions that develop in numerous tissues and organs as a consequence of diabetes mellitus. Diabetic retinopathy remains the major cause of new-onset blindness among diabetic adults. Defects in IL1RN are the cause of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist deficiency (DIRA), also known as deficiency of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist.