
Recombinant human IL-6 protein (Qk093)
Price range: £230.00 through £2,900.00
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates immune responses and inflammation. It is produced by various cells, including immune cells such as T cells and macrophages, as well as non-immune cells like fibroblasts and endothelial cells.Â
Human IL-6 has a molecular weight of 20.9 kDa. This protein is animal origin-free, carrier-free and tag-free to ensure its purity with exceptional lot-to-lot consistency. IL-6 is suitable for the culture of reproducible and high-quality hematopoietic stem cells and other relevant cells.Â
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Orders are typically shipped same or next day (except Friday).
Easy world-wide ordering, direct or through our distributors.
Price range: £230.00 through £2,900.00
Buy online with secure credit card or purchase order. For any questions, please email orders@qkine.com
Summary:
- High purity human IL-6 protein (Uniprot number: P05231)
- 20.9 kDa (monomer)
>98%, by SDS-PAGE quantitative densitometry
Expressed in E. coli
Animal origin-free (AOF) and carrier protein-free
Manufactured in our Cambridge, UK laboratories
Lyophilized from HEPES, NaCl
- Resuspend in sterile-filtered water at >50 µg/ml, add carrier protein if desired, prepare single use aliquots and store frozen at -20 °C (short-term) or -80 °C (long-term).
Featured applications:
Stimulation of activated B cell proliferation
Stimulation of T cell differentiationÂ
Hematopoietic stem cell regulation
Proliferation and differentiation of erythrocytes, leukocytes and plateletsÂ

IL-6 protein activity was determined using the IL-6-responsive firefly luciferase reporter assay. Transfected HEK293T cells were treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of IL-6 for 24 hours. Firefly luciferase activity was measured and normalised to the control Renilla luciferase activity. Data from Qk093 lot #204594. EC50 = 1.46 ng/ml (70 pM)Â
Recombinant IL-6 migrates as a major band at approximately 20 kDa in non-reducing (NR) and at approximately 18 kDa in reduced (R) conditions. No contaminating protein bands are present. The purified recombinant protein (3 µg) was resolved using 15% w/v SDS-PAGE in reduced (+β-mercaptoethanol, R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions and stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250. Data from Qk093 lot #204599.Â

Further quality assays
Mass spectrometry: single species with expected mass
Recovery from stock vial:Â >95%
Endotoxin: <0.005 EU/μg protein (below level of detection)
We are a company founded and run by scientists to provide a service and support innovation in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. All our products are exceptionally high purity, with complete characterisation and bioactivity analysis on every lot.

Qkine IL-6 is more biologically active than a comparable alternative supplier protein. Quantitative luciferase assay with Qkine IL-6 (Qk093, green) and alternative supplier IL-6 (Supplier B, black). Cells were treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of IL-6 for 24 hours. Firefly luciferase activity was measured and normalized to control Renilla luciferase activity. Qk093 EC50 1.85 ng/ml, Supplier B EC50 5.74 ng/ml.
Technote | IL-6 (Qk093) bioactivityTechnote | IL-6 (Qk093) stabilityProtein background
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response, inflammation, and various physiological processes. IL-6 is produced by a variety of cells, including T cells, B cells, monocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and adipocytes [1].Â
IL6 protein is a pleiotropic cytokine that belongs to the interleukin family of proteins. IL-6 adopts a four-helix bundle structure, with helices A and D forming the receptor-binding site [2]. It is glycosylated, influencing stability and activity. IL-6 binds to IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), forming a hexameric complex with gp130, initiating downstream signaling via the JAK/STAT pathway. Conformational changes upon receptor binding facilitate signaling.Â
IL-6 has a primary involvement in the acute phase response, the immediate reaction to infection, injury, or inflammation. IL-6 stimulates the production of acute-phase proteins such as C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and serum amyloid A, which help to enhance the immune response and facilitate tissue repair [3,4].Â
IL6 protein plays a key role in the regulation of the immune system. It promotes the differentiation of B cells into antibody-producing plasma cells and stimulates the proliferation and activation of T cells, enhancing the adaptive immune response. IL-6 acts on various immune cells to modulate inflammation, promoting the recruitment of immune cells to sites of infection or injury [5,6]. IL-6 has diverse effects on different tissues and organs throughout the body. It has been implicated in the regulation of metabolism, with studies suggesting that IL-6 may play a role in energy balance, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism. IL-6 has been shown to have both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects depending on the context and the cells involved [7].Â
Dysregulated IL-6 signaling has been associated with various pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and cancer. Elevated levels of IL-6 have been observed in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel disease, where it contributes to tissue damage and disease progression [8].Â
Our products are for research use only and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Products are not for resale.
For use in manufacturing of cellular or gene therapy products. Not intended for in vivo applications.

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