Flt3 Ligand Human, HEK

Flt3-Ligand is a homodimer consisting of two short-chain α-helical bundles. The human recombinant version of Flt3-Ligand is often expressed in HEK 293 cells (Human Embryonic Kidney cells). This expression system is preferred because it allows for proper glycosylation, which is essential for the ligand’s biological activity. The recombinant Flt3-Ligand produced in HEK cells is a glycosylated monomer with a molecular weight ranging from 24 to 30 kDa .

Flt3-Ligand binds to the Flt3 receptor (CD135), a cell-bound tyrosine kinase receptor, and activates it. This activation triggers a cascade of downstream signaling pathways that promote the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. The ligand has been shown to synergize with other cytokines to stimulate the growth and differentiation of early hematopoietic cells .

1. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research: Flt3-Ligand is widely used in research to study the mechanisms of hematopoiesis. It is often combined with other cytokines like IL-3 and GM-CSF to stimulate the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells in vitro.
2. Cancer Research: Given its role in cell proliferation, Flt3-Ligand is also studied in the context of leukemia and other cancers. It is particularly relevant in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) research, where it is used to understand the proliferation of leukemic cells.
3. Immunotherapy: Flt3-Ligand is being explored as a potential therapeutic agent in immunotherapy. Its ability to expand dendritic cells makes it a candidate for enhancing immune responses against tumors.

The production of human recombinant Flt3-Ligand involves the use of HEK 293 cells to ensure proper glycosylation. The ligand is then purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques to achieve high purity levels (≥95% as determined by SDS-PAGE). The lyophilized powder form of the ligand is stable and suitable for various cell culture applications .