Interleukin Protein Families

Interleukins (ILs) is a term that describes a group of secreted molecules produced by leukocytes that act on a variety of cells. Generally, ILs are classified as cytokines, but are also a member of the lymphokines family. ILs have diverse biological functions; not only is it involved in regulating immune response such as promoting the information transmission, activation and regulation of immune cells, but also is widely involved in regulating the physiological and pathological processes of the body such as autoimmune, inflammatory and tumor diseases. Based on the structural homology of cytokines, interleukins are divided into several protein families, such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-17 families.

It is worth noting that, the interleukin family has emerged as a significant drug target, many of which are already on the market and even occupy a significant market share of drugs for similar diseases.

Data from Pharmacodia
Data from Pharmacodia
Data from Pharmacodia

Hot Products

Supplemental Data

High purity and high structural homogeneity verified by SDS-PAGE and SEC-MALS
ILR-H5253

Biotinylated Human IL-1 RAcP, His,Avitag (Cat. No. ILP-H82E5) on SDS-PAGE under reducing (R) condition. The purity of the protein is greater than 90%. As verified by SEC-MALS, the purity is more than 90% and the molecular weight of this protein is around 50-68 kDa.

IL4-C5259

Human IL-2RB&IL-2RA&IL-2RG, Fc Tag&Fc Tag (Cat. No. ILG-H5257) on SDS-PAGE under reducing (R) condition. The purity of the protein is greater than 95%. As verified by SEC-MALS, the purity is more than 90% and the molecular weight of this protein is around 160-190 kDa.

High biological activity verified by ELISA
High purity and structural homogeneity verified by SDS-PAGE and SEC-MALS

Immobilized Mouse IL-2, His Tag (Cat. No. IL2-M52H3) at 5 μg/mL (100 μL/well) can bind Mouse IL-2RB&IL-2RA&IL-2RG, Fc Tag&Fc Tag (Cat. No. ILG-M5253) with a linear range of 0.8-3 ng/mL (QC tested).


High purity and structural homogeneity verified by SDS-PAGE and SEC-MALS

Immobilized Human IL-4 R alpha, Fc Tag (Cat. No. ILR-H5253) at 5 μg/mL (100 μL/well) can bind Biotinylated Human IL-4, Avitag,His Tag (Cat. No. IL4-H82E0) with a linear range of 0.1-2 ng/mL (Routinely tested).

Affinity verified by SPR and BLI
High purity and structural homogeneity verified by SDS-PAGE and SEC-MALS

Human IL-31, His Tag (Cat. No. IL1-H5247) capture on NTA-Series S sensor chip can bind Human IL-31 RA, Fc Tag (Cat. No. ILA-H5256) with an affinity constant of 37.1 nM as determined in a SPR assay (Biacore 8K) (Routinely tested).

High purity and structural homogeneity verified by SDS-PAGE and SEC-MALS

Human IL-13 R alpha 1 Protein, His Tag (Cat. No. IL1-H5224) captured on CM5 chip via anti-His antibody can bind Human IL-13 with an affinity constant of 16 nM as determined in a SPR assay (Biacore T200) (QC tested).

High purity and structural homogeneity verified by SDS-PAGE and SEC-MALS

Loaded Biotinylated Human IL-6, epitope tag free, primary amine labeling (Cat. No. IL6-H8218) on SA Biosensor, can bind Human IL-6 R alpha, His Tag (Cat. No. ILR-H4223) with an affinity constant of 45.9 nM as determined in BLI assay (ForteBio Octet Red96e).

High purity and structural homogeneity verified by SDS-PAGE and SEC-MALS

Loaded Biotinylated Human IL17A, His,Avitag (Cat. No. ILA-H82Q1) on SA Biosensor, can bind Human IL-17 RA, His Tag (Cat. No. ILA-H5222) with an affinity constant of 18.8 nM as determined in BLI assay (ForteBio Octet Red96e).

References

  • 1. Chung S H, Ye X Q, Iwakura Y. Interleukin-17 family members in health and disease[J]. International immunology, 2021, 33(12): 723-729. https://doi.org/10.1093/intimm/dxab075.
  • 2. Wojno E D T, Hunter C A, Stumhofer J S. The immunobiology of the interleukin-12 family: room for discovery[J]. Immunity, 2019, 50(4): 851-870. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2019.03.011.
  • 3. Rose-John S. Interleukin-6 family cytokines[J]. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology, 2018, 10(2): a028415. https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a028415.
  • 4. Netea M G, van de Veerdonk F L, van der Meer J W M, et al. Inflammasome-independent regulation of IL-1-family cytokines[J]. Annual review of immunology, 2015, 33: 49-77. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-immunol-032414-112306.
  • 5. Zdanov A. Structural analysis of cytokines comprising the IL-10 family[J]. Cytokine & growth factor reviews, 2010, 21(5): 325-330.doi:10.1016/j.cytogfr.2010.08.003.
  • 6. Dumont F J. Interleukin-2 family cytokines: potential for therapeutic immmunoregulation[J]. Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents, 2005, 15(5): 521-554. https://doi.org/10.1517/13543776.15.5.521.
  • 7. Fickenscher H, Hör S, Küpers H, et al. The interleukin-10 family of cytokines[J]. Trends in immunology, 2002, 23(2): 89-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1471-4906(01)02149-4.

FAQ

Q

How should I select an interleukin family for studying a specific immune or inflammatory pathway?

Different interleukin families are associated with distinct immune functions and disease mechanisms. The IL-1 family is closely involved in inflammatory initiation and innate immunity; the IL-2 family regulates the proliferation and differentiation of lymphocytes such as T and NK cells; the IL-6 family is widely studied in inflammation and the tumor microenvironment; the IL-10 family contributes to immune regulation and tissue barrier homeostasis; the IL-12 family regulates Th1- and Th17-related responses; and the IL-17 family is frequently investigated in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Selection should therefore consider the target cell type, receptor expression, and downstream signaling pathway.
Q

When should I use an assembled IL-12 family heterodimer instead of an individual subunit?

Several IL-12 family cytokines are composed of two different subunits. For example, IL-12 contains IL-12A and IL-12B, whereas IL-23 contains IL-23A and IL-12B. Assembled heterodimers are generally preferred for receptor-binding, functional activity, and inhibitor-screening assays. Individual subunits are useful for subunit-specific antibody screening, binding-site characterization, and studies of cytokine assembly. ACROBiosystems provides both selected individual subunits and assembled cytokine complexes to support these different applications.
Q

Should I choose an individual receptor subunit or a receptor complex for interleukin studies?

Individual receptor subunits are suitable for investigating subunit-specific binding, antibody epitopes, and the contribution of each receptor chain to ligand recognition. Pre-assembled multi-subunit receptor complexes provide a more complete ligand-binding interface and are useful for ligand-binding assays, antibody screening, and blocking studies. For example, IL-2 pathway research may require IL-2Rα, IL-2Rβ, or IL-2Rγ alone, an IL-2Rβγ complex, or the complete IL-2Rαβγ heterotrimer, depending on the assay objective.
Q

Which interleukin protein format should I choose for ELISA, SPR, BLI, or cell-based assays?

The protein format should match the assay platform and immobilization strategy. His-tagged proteins provide convenient options for capture, detection, and routine binding assays. Site-specifically biotinylated proteins containing an Avitag™ enable more controlled immobilization on streptavidin surfaces for SPR, BLI, and ELISA. Fc-fused receptors often provide improved stability and compatibility with multiple binding formats, while tag-free cytokines are generally preferred for cell-based assays focused on native biological activity. The tag position should also be evaluated to avoid interference with the relevant binding interface.
Q

What quality data should I evaluate when selecting interleukin proteins for antibody or inhibitor screening?

Purity, structural homogeneity, and binding activity should be evaluated together. SDS-PAGE helps assess sample purity and major molecular components, while SEC-MALS provides information on molecular weight and structural homogeneity in solution. ELISA, SPR, or BLI can then confirm ligand–receptor or antigen–antibody binding activity. For multi-subunit receptors and heteromeric cytokines, these data also help determine whether the protein has formed the expected assembly. The page presents representative validation data for IL-1 RAcP, the IL-2Rαβγ complex, and IL-2- and IL-4-related products.
  • Introduction
  • Hot Products
  • Interleukin Families & Related Proteins
  • Supplemental Data
  • References
  • FAQ