Recombinant Human MHC class I chain-related gene B

Lyophilized MICB although stable at room temperature should be stored desiccated at -20C. Reconstituted MICB may be stored at 2-4C for 1 week and for future use at -20-80C. For long term storage it is recommended to add a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

MICB (MHC class I chain-related sequence B) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as a ligand for human NKG2D type II receptor. A closely related protein, MICA, shares 85% amino acid identity with MICB. These 2 proteins are distantly related to the MHC class I proteins. MICA and MICB (MICA/B) possess three extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains, but have no capacity to bind peptide or interact with a2-microglobulin. MICA/B are minimally expressed on normal cells, but are frequently expressed on epithelial tumors and can be induced by bacterial and viral infections. MICA/B are ligands for NKG2D, an activating receptor expressed on NK cells, NK T cells, gamma-delta T cells, and CD8+ aa T cells. Recognition of MICA/B by NKG2D results in the activation of cytolytic activity and/or cytokine production by these effector cells. MICA/B recognition is involved in tumor surveillance, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases. The release of soluble forms of MICA/B from tumors down-regulates NKG2D surface expression on effector cells resulting in the impairment of anti-tumor immune response. Recombinant Human MICB is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 326 amino acids and having a MW = 37 kDa. The sequence contains the extracellular domain of the mature human MICB (amino acid residues Ala23 - Tyr312).

It is recommended to reconstitute the lyophilized MICB in sterile distilled water at not less than 100 ug/ml, which can be further diluted to other aqueous solutions.