Interferon-tau (IFN-tau), Ovine

IFN-tau is a new class of type I IFN that is secreted by the trophoblast and is the signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy in sheep. IFN- tau has potent immunosuppressive and antiviral activities similar to other type I IFN but is less cytotoxic than IFN-ª/ß. The current investigation concerns the effect of recombinant ovine IFN- tau (rOvIFN- tau) on the modulation of MHC class I and II expression on cloned mouse cerebrovascular endothelial (CVE) cells. IFN- tau induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat1 and upregulated the expression of MHC class I on CVE. One proposed action by which type I IFN reduce the relapse rate in MS is via interference with IFN-I³-induced MHC class II expression. IFN- tau was shown to downregulate IFN-I³-induced MHC class II expression on CVE and, hence, may be of potential therapeutic value in downregulating inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). IFN- tau did not upregulate the expression of MHC class II on CVE. IFN- tau also inhibited the replication of Theiler's virus in CVE.

Lyophilized from a 0.2µ, m filtered concentrated, solution in PBS, pH 7.4.

Cytokine, Chemokines & Growth Factors

This lyophilized preparation is stable at 2-8 C, but should be kept at -20 C for long term storage, preferably desiccated. Upon reconstitution, the preparation is stable for up to one week at 2-8 C. For maximal stability, apportion the reconstituted preparation into working aliquots and store at -20 C to -70 C. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

USA