Interleukin-3 (IL-3) is a cytokine, a type of signaling molecule that plays a crucial role in the immune system by regulating the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. IL-3 is produced by activated T cells, monocytes, and other immune cells. It is known for its ability to stimulate the proliferation of various blood cell types, including myeloid progenitor cells, which are essential for the body’s immune response .
The rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is a species of Old World monkey that is widely used in biomedical research due to its close genetic and physiological similarities to humans . This species has been instrumental in various scientific discoveries, including the development of vaccines and the understanding of human diseases. The recombinant form of IL-3 from rhesus macaques is particularly valuable for research purposes because it allows scientists to study the effects of this cytokine in a controlled environment.
Recombinant proteins are proteins that are produced through recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene encoding the protein of interest into a host cell, such as bacteria or yeast, which then produces the protein. Recombinant proteins are widely used in research, medicine, and biotechnology due to their high purity and consistency .
The recombinant IL-3 from rhesus macaques is typically produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The gene encoding IL-3 is inserted into the bacterial DNA, and the bacteria are cultured to produce the protein. The resulting IL-3 protein is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 124 amino acids and has a molecular mass of approximately 14.0 kDa . The protein is then purified using chromatographic techniques to ensure its purity and functionality.
Recombinant IL-3 has several important applications in research and medicine. It is used to study the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells, which are crucial for understanding the immune response and developing treatments for various blood disorders. Additionally, recombinant IL-3 can be used in preclinical studies to evaluate the effects of new drugs on the immune system .