Proteins for Immune Cell Culture
Immune cell culture plays a critical role in advancing the research and development of effective immunotherapies and personalized medicine approaches for a range of diseases including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. High-quality cytokines and growth factors are essential for maintaining cell viability, expanding cell populations, and promoting the differentiation of specific immune cell types including T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells.
T Cells
CD3+ T cells are characterized by their expression of the T cell receptor (TCR). These cells are divided into two main subsets: CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and CD4+ T helper cells. CD8+ CTL recognition of MHC class I-bound peptides on virally infected cells or tumor cells elicits release of cytotoxic granules. CD4+ T helper cell recognition of MHC class II-bound antigens drives the adaptive immune response. Several subsets of CD4+ T cells have been described, including Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells, each producing different cytokines and performing distinct functions. The following cytokines and growth factors are involved in the proliferation, activation and differentiation of T cell populations.
BMP-4 | Flt-3 Ligand/FLT3L | ||
IL-1 beta/IL-1F2 | IL-2 | IL-4 | |
IL-7 | IL-15 | IL-21 | TRANCE/RANKL |
SCF | TGF-beta 1 | Thrombopoietin/Tpo |
B Cells
B cells populations are commonly identified using the CD19 cell surface marker. Functionally, B cells are distinguished from other lymphocytes by the expression of the B cell receptor (BCR), consisting of a membrane-bound immunoglobulin (Ig) and signal transduction moiety (CD79) with antigen specificity. Activation of the BCR plays role in the adaptive immune response with functions in antigen presentation, differentiation to antibody-secreting effector B cells (plasma cells) and establishing memory B cell populations.Â
Natural Killer (NK) Cells
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes characterized by the absence of CD3 with high levels of CD56/NCAM-1. NK cells eliminate tumor and virus-infected cells within the innate immune response through the release of perforin and granzymes, while secreting cytokines and chemokines to modulate additional immune cell populations. The innate anti-tumor response of NK cells and potential shift away from autologous immune cell therapies make NK cells an attractive candidate for therapeutic research and development.
Monocytes/Macrophages
CD14+ monocytes clear pathogens via phagocytosis via the expression of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that directly bind pathogens or monocyte Fc receptors that interact with antibodies bound to pathogens. Macrophages, which originate from monocytes, can differentiate into inflammatory or tissue-resident macrophages. Depending on their tissue of residence, they perform specialized functions and help maintain tissue homeostasis. They act as professional phagocytes, ingesting and processing foreign materials and cell debris. As antigen-presenting cells, they produce cytokines, thereby influencing adaptive immune responses. Macrophages can be classified by their location, with examples such as alveolar macrophages in the lungs, Kupffer cells in the liver, and microglia in the central nervous system. In therapeutic contexts, monocytes and macrophages are valuable for studying immune mechanisms and developing treatments targeting inflammatory diseases and tissue repair processes.
GM-CSF/CSF2 | IL-4 | ||
IL-13 | SCF | ||
Thrombopoietin/Tpo | Â | Â | Â |
Dendritic Cells
Dendritic cells (DCs) share a lineage with macrophages and functionally mediate innate and adaptive immune responses. Pathogen detection occurs via toll-like receptor (TLR) or Fc receptor binding, whereupon DCs migrate to the lymph nodes to present antigens to T cells, thus initiating the adaptive immune response. The various roles of DCs in autoimmunity, vaccine response, priming T cells and allergic response are of interest in therapeutic approaches.
BMP-4 | Flt-3 Ligand/FLT3L | GM-CSF/CSF2 | |
IL-1 beta/IL-1F2 | IL-4 | ||
TRANCE/RANKL | SCF | ||
Thrombopoietin/Tpo | VEGF | Â | Â |
Granulocytes
Granulocytes are polymorphonuclear leukocytes comprised of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells. Neutrophils represent the most abundant granulocyte population in peripheral blood and play a role in initiating the innate immune response. Eosinophils and basophils are much less abundant in peripheral blood and play roles in allergic and parasitic responses. Mast cells are located primarily in mucosal and epithelial tissues and function in allergic via degranulation and the release of histamine, serotonin, cytokines and chemokines.Â
GM-CSF/CSF2 | |||
SCF | Thrombopoietin/Tpo | VEGF | Â |
