KLH is one of the largest naturally occurring proteins with a molecular mass that usually lies between 8 and 32 MDa, depending on the aggregation state of the subunits. The quaternary structure forms a hollow cylinder with variable length and constant diameter.
The active center has two copper+I ions, which change to the copper+II oxidation state through the binding of molecular oxygen and thus lead to a bluish shimmering color of the oxygenated product. In vertebrates, KLH, among other things, acts as a potent antigen due to its size and physical strangeness, activating both the cellular (Th1TH1 pathway) and humoral (Th2TH2 pathway) immune responses. Thus, stimulation of the immune system can occur via different mechanisms.
Non-specific immunostimulation (NSI):
On the one hand, this property can be used to classify the immunocompetence of an organism. On the other hand, it enables the examination of a substance for possible immunomodulating properties (immunostimulant or immunosuppressant).
Active specific immunostimulation (ASI):
By conjugation (covalent chemical bonds) of antigens to KLH, therapeutic vaccines can be produced, which lead to the formation of antibodies against the desired target structure (proteins, oligosaccharides, etc.).
Native KLH is available as an aqueous, phosphate-buffered solution in vials or in bulk in bags.
For more information, open questions or interest please contact:
Johannes_Teske@biosyn.de; +49 (0)711 57532-222
Kay_Buechler@biosyn.de; +49 (0)711 57532-133
