Interleukin-8 (IL-8), also known as CXCL8, is a chemokine produced by various cell types, including macrophages, epithelial cells, airway smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells . It plays a crucial role in the immune response by attracting neutrophils and other immune cells to sites of infection or inflammation . IL-8 is initially produced as a precursor peptide of 99 amino acids, which undergoes cleavage to create several active isoforms .
In humans, the IL-8 protein is encoded by the CXCL8 gene located on chromosome 4 . The primary function of IL-8 is to act as a chemoattractant, guiding neutrophils to areas of tissue damage or infection. It also has roles in angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels, and in the regulation of the immune response .
Mouse anti-human IL-8 antibodies are monoclonal antibodies produced in mice that specifically target and bind to human IL-8. These antibodies are widely used in research and diagnostic applications to study the role of IL-8 in various diseases and to develop potential therapeutic interventions .
One example of a mouse anti-human IL-8 antibody is the clone 4F8A4, which recognizes IL-8 and is used in various assays, including Western blotting and immunohistochemistry . These antibodies are valuable tools for scientists to investigate the mechanisms of IL-8-mediated signaling pathways and to identify potential targets for drug development.
The study of IL-8 and its interactions with its receptors is essential for understanding the pathophysiology of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Elevated levels of IL-8 have been implicated in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer . By using mouse anti-human IL-8 antibodies, researchers can gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases and develop targeted therapies to modulate IL-8 activity.