Introduction
Lymphotoxin alpha (LTA), a cytokine in the tumor necrosis factor family, is primarily produced by lymphocytes. This highly inducible cytokine is secreted and exists as a homotrimeric molecule. LTA can form heterotrimers with lymphotoxin-beta, leading to cell surface anchoring of LTA. It plays a crucial role in various inflammatory, immunostimulatory, and antiviral responses. Additionally, LTA contributes to the development of secondary lymphoid organs and participates in apoptosis.
Description
Recombinant Human Tumor Necrosis Factor-beta (Lymphotoxin) is produced in E. coli. This non-glycosylated polypeptide consists of 172 amino acids, resulting in a molecular weight of 18645 Daltons. The purification process of TNF-b involves standard chromatographic techniques.
Physical Appearance
The product appears as a sterile, white lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.
Formulation
The lyophilized protein is supplied without any additives.
Solubility
To reconstitute the lyophilized Tumor Necrosis Factor-beta, it is recommended to dissolve it in sterile 18 MΩ-cm H2O to a concentration of at least 100 µg/ml. Further dilutions can be prepared in other aqueous solutions.
Stability
Lyophilized Tumor Necrosis Factor-b remains stable at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. However, for long-term storage, it should be stored desiccated at a temperature below -18°C. After reconstitution, TNF-b should be stored at 4°C for a period of 2-7 days. For extended storage, freezing at -18°C is recommended. To ensure optimal stability during long-term storage, the addition of a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA) is advised. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided.
Purity
The purity of the protein is greater than 98.0%, as determined by the following methods: (a) Analysis by RP-HPLC and (b) Analysis by SDS-PAGE.
Biological Activity
The biological activity of the protein was assessed by determining the ED50 value, which represents the concentration required for 50% cytolysis of murine L929 cells in the presence of Actinomycin D. The ED50 was found to be less than 0.05 ng/ml, corresponding to a specific activity of 20,000,000 IU/mg.
Protein Content
Protein quantification was performed using two independent methods: (1) UV spectroscopy at 280 nm, employing an absorbance value of 1.082 as the extinction coefficient for a 0.1% (1 mg/ml) solution. This value was calculated using the PC GENE computer analysis program for protein sequences (IntelliGenetics), and (2) Analysis by RP-HPLC, utilizing a calibrated solution of TNF-b as a reference standard.
Synonyms
Lymphotoxin-alpha, LT-alpha, TNF-beta, Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 1, LTA, LT, TNFB, TNFSF1.
Amino Acid Sequence
MLPGVGLTPS AAQTARQHPK MHLAHSTLKP AAHLIGDPSK QNSLLWRANT DRAFLQDGFS LSNNSLLVPT SGIYFVYSQV VFSGKAYSPK ATSSPLYLAH EVQLFSSQYP FHVPLLSSQK MVYPGLQEPW LHSMYHGAAF QLTQGDQLST HTDGIPHLVL SPSTVFFGAF AL.