Interleukin-8 (IL-8), also known as CXCL8, is a pro-inflammatory chemokine that plays a crucial role in the immune response by attracting neutrophils to sites of infection or inflammation. The porcine recombinant form of IL-8, specifically the 1-72 amino acid sequence, is a non-glycosylated polypeptide produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression systems. This recombinant protein is used extensively in research to study immune responses and inflammatory processes in porcine models.
IL-8 belongs to the CXC chemokine family and is characterized by its 72 amino acid sequence. It functions primarily as a chemoattractant, guiding neutrophils to sites of infection or injury. Additionally, IL-8 is a potent angiogenic factor, promoting the formation of new blood vessels. The protein binds to cell surface receptors IL-8RA and IL-8RB, initiating a cascade of intracellular signaling that results in the activation and migration of neutrophils .
The recombinant form of IL-8 (1-72 a.a) is typically produced using E. coli expression systems. The gene encoding the IL-8 protein is inserted into a plasmid vector, which is then introduced into E. coli cells. These cells are cultured under conditions that promote the expression of the IL-8 protein. After sufficient growth, the cells are lysed, and the protein is purified using techniques such as affinity chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The resulting product is a highly pure, lyophilized protein that can be reconstituted for experimental use .
Porcine recombinant IL-8 is widely used in immunological research to study the mechanisms of inflammation and immune cell recruitment. It is particularly valuable in porcine models of disease, which are often used as analogs for human conditions due to their physiological similarities. Researchers utilize IL-8 to investigate its role in various inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune disorders and cancer. Additionally, IL-8 is used in bioassays to evaluate the chemotactic response of neutrophils and other immune cells .