MCP-2 is a non-glycosylated protein composed of 76 amino acids, with a molecular mass of approximately 8.9 kDa . The protein is typically produced in a recombinant form using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as the expression system . The recombinant human MCP-2 is often provided as a lyophilized powder, which can be reconstituted in sterile water for various research applications .
MCP-2 is known for its ability to activate and attract immune cells to sites of inflammation or injury. It achieves this by binding to specific G protein-coupled receptors on the surface of target cells, including CCR1, CCR2B, and CCR5 . This chemotactic activity is essential for the immune response, as it helps to recruit immune cells to areas where they are needed to fight infections or repair tissue damage .
MCP-2 has been implicated in various inflammatory and allergic responses. It is known to activate mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils, which are key players in allergic reactions . Additionally, MCP-2 is involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain types of cancer . Due to its significant role in immune regulation, MCP-2 is a potential target for therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating immune responses in these diseases .
Recombinant human MCP-2 is typically prepared by expressing the protein in E. coli, followed by purification and lyophilization . The lyophilized product is stable at -20°C and can be reconstituted in sterile water for use in various experimental setups . For long-term storage, it is recommended to aliquot the reconstituted protein and store it at -20°C with a carrier protein such as human serum albumin (HSA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) to enhance stability .