Description | This product was Protein-A purified from monospecific antiserum by chromatography. This antibody is specific for swine IL-13 protein. A BLAST analysis was used to suggest reactivity with IL-13 from swine sources based on 100% homology with the immunizing sequence. The following homologies may indicate chances of cross-reactivity when amino acid similarity and not just exact sequence is accounted: 89-90% homology to IL-13 from sheep, dolphin, beluga, and bovine, 83-88% to human and certain monkey IL-13, 80-82% to dusky titi, macaque, baboon, mangabey, dog, llama, camel, and galago, 75-78% to horse, and 67-72% to rat, mouse, and gerbil. Cross-reactivity with IL-13 from other sources has not been determined. Interleukin 13 (IL-13), of the IL-4 superfamily, is a cytokine secreted by many cell types, but especially T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, that is an important mediator of allergic inflammation and disease. IL-13 induces its effects through a multi-subunit receptor that includes the alpha chain of the IL-4 receptor (IL-4Rα) and at least one IL-13-specific binding chain. Most of the biological effects of IL-13, like those of IL-4, are linked to a single transcription factor, STAT6. In humans, IL-13 can induce immunoglobulin E (IgE) secretion from activated B cells. In mice, deletion of IL-13 does not markedly affect either Th2 cell development or antigen-specific IgE responses induced by potent allergens. Deletion of IL-4 abrogates these responses. IL-13 acts as a molecular bridge linking allergic inflammatory cells to the non-immune cells in contact with them, thus altering physiological function. Although IL-13 is associated primarily with the induction of airway disease, including airway hyperresponsiveness, goblet cell metaplasia and mucus hypersecretion, it also induces airway matrix metalloproteinases as part of a mechanism that protects against excessive allergic inflammation that predisposes to asphyxiation. Anti-IL-13 antibody is ideal for investigators involved in Cancer and Immunology research. |