Interleukin-8 (IL-8), also known as CXCL8, is a pro-inflammatory cytokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family. It plays a crucial role in the immune response by acting as a chemoattractant for neutrophils and other immune cells. The recombinant form of IL-8, specifically the 1-72 amino acid (a.a.) variant, is widely used in research to study its biological functions and potential therapeutic applications.
IL-8 is a small protein composed of 72 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 8.4 kDa . It contains a characteristic ELR motif (Glu-Leu-Arg) at its N-terminus, which is essential for its interaction with the CXCR1 and CXCR2 receptors on target cells . These interactions trigger a cascade of intracellular signaling events that lead to the activation and migration of neutrophils to sites of inflammation .
IL-8 is primarily produced by macrophages, endothelial cells, and other cell types in response to inflammatory stimuli . It is stored in specialized vesicles called Weibel-Palade bodies within endothelial cells and is rapidly released upon activation . The main functions of IL-8 include:
IL-8 has been implicated in various pathological conditions, including chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases . Elevated levels of IL-8 are often observed in patients with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and certain types of cancer . As a result, IL-8 is considered a potential biomarker for these diseases and a target for therapeutic intervention.
Recombinant IL-8 (1-72 a.a.) is produced using recombinant DNA technology, typically in Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression systems . The recombinant protein is purified to high levels of purity (≥ 98%) and is free from endotoxins, making it suitable for various research applications . It is commonly used in bioassays to study its chemoattractant properties and to investigate its role in disease pathogenesis .