Anti-IL-6 Polyclonal Antibody for WB and ELISA - P20607

Core Product Specifications and Parameters

Biological Background: IL-6 Function and Localization

• Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine encoded by the Il6 gene in rat, also known as ILg6 or Ifnb2. It is synthesized as a precursor with a signal peptide, and the mature secreted protein has a molecular weight of approximately 24 kDa (UniProt P20607).
• IL-6 plays a central role in host defense, linking innate and adaptive immunity. It is rapidly produced by myeloid cells upon pathogen recognition via TLRs, and is a potent inducer of the acute phase response.
• In the adaptive immune response, IL-6 is essential for B-cell differentiation into antibody-secreting cells, and drives the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into T follicular helper (Tfh) and Th17 subsets, which are critical for germinal center formation and effective antiviral responses.
• Beyond immunity, IL-6 functions in bone homeostasis, angiogenesis, and metabolism. It induces VEGF production, promotes vascular permeability, and acts as a myokine released after muscle contraction to improve insulin sensitivity.
• IL-6 also contributes to tissue regeneration: it is required for liver regeneration, and through the IL6ST-YAP-NOTCH pathway, it mediates inflammation-induced epithelial regeneration.
• Subcellularly, IL-6 is secreted into the extracellular space. Post-translational modifications include phosphorylation and the presence of disulfide bonds that are important for its structure and activity.
• The protein belongs to the IL-6 family of cytokines and is a growth factor with roles in iron metabolism, regulating hepcidin expression during inflammation.

Experimental Guidance and Technical Tips

• The immunogen used corresponds to the mature IL-6 protein (amino acids 25–211), excluding the signal peptide. This design likely enriches for antibodies recognizing the biologically active, secreted form.
• For Western blot, consider using reducing conditions due to the presence of disulfide bonds; a band around 24 kDa is expected in rat samples. Validate detection in stimulated immune cells or relevant tissue lysates.
• In ELISA, the antibody may be suitable for capture or detection of rat IL-6. Cross-reactivity with human and mouse IL-6 could allow multi-species applications, but we recommend verifying performance with species-specific standards.
• Because IL-6 is an inducible cytokine, appropriate induction (e.g., LPS stimulation) may be required to achieve detectable expression levels in some sample types.

CamelBio: Your One-Stop Sourcing Bridge

CamelBio provides diagnostic manufacturers and research laboratories with one-stop access to IVD raw materials, technical services, and consulting. This anti-IL-6 polyclonal antibody supports the development of immunoassays for inflammation and immune status monitoring, where high-quality antibody reagents are critical. Inquire about our validated antibody pairs, bulk ordering options, and customized raw-material sourcing for your IL-6 assay needs.