IL36A 158 a.a. Human

Interleukin-36 alpha (IL-36α) is a member of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family of cytokines, which are critical mediators of the inflammatory response. The recombinant form of this protein, specifically the 158 amino acid (a.a.) variant, has been extensively studied for its role in various physiological and pathological processes.

Interleukin-36 alpha is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain consisting of 158 amino acids. The recombinant form is typically produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and is known for its high purity and biological activity . The molecular weight of this protein is approximately 17 kDa .

IL-36α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a significant role in the immune response. It is primarily involved in the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, which are crucial for the expression of various inflammatory genes . This cytokine is known to induce the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-8 (IL-8), in epithelial cells .

IL-36α is predominantly expressed in epithelial tissues, including the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract . Its expression can be induced by various stimuli, including bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and the activation of the P2X7 receptor by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) . The regulation of IL-36α expression is complex and involves multiple signaling pathways and transcription factors.

The dysregulation of IL-36α has been implicated in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease . Elevated levels of IL-36α have been observed in the affected tissues of patients with these conditions, suggesting a potential role in their pathogenesis. Consequently, IL-36α is being explored as a therapeutic target for the treatment of these diseases.

Recombinant IL-36α is widely used in research to study its biological functions and potential therapeutic applications. The recombinant protein is typically produced in E. coli and is available in both carrier-free and carrier-containing formulations . The carrier-free form is often preferred for applications where the presence of carrier proteins, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), could interfere with experimental results .