il-6

IL-6 Protein, Mouse, Recombinant is expressed in E. coli expression system. The predicted molecular weight is 21.9 kDa and the accession number is P08505.

IL-6 (Interleukin-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that acts in the acute phase reaction, inflammation, hematopoiesis, bone metabolism, and cancer progression.Interleukin 6 has been shown to interact with interleukin-6 receptor and glycoprotein.

IL-6 Protein, Human, Recombinant is expressed in E. coli expression system. The predicted molecular weight is 20.95 kDa and the accession number is P05231.

IL-6 Protein, Sheep, Recombinant (GST) is expressed in E. coli expression system with N-GST tag. The predicted molecular weight is 47.5 kDa and the accession number is P29455.

IL-36 alpha IL-1F6 Protein, Human, Recombinant (aa 6-158) is expressed in E. coli expression system. The predicted molecular weight is 17.2 kDa and the accession number is Q9UHA7.

IL-6 Protein, Rhesus, Recombinant is expressed in E. coli expression system. The predicted molecular weight is 21 kDa and the accession number is A0A1D5QRZ4.

IL-6 Protein, Sus scrofa (Pig), Recombinant is expressed in E. coli expression system. The predicted molecular weight is 21.2 kDa and the accession number is A4D862.

IL-6 Protein, Rabbit, Recombinant (His) is expressed in yeast with N-6xHis tag. The predicted molecular weight is 26.4 kDa and the accession number is Q9MZR1.

IL-6 Protein, Rat, Recombinant is expressed in E. coli expression system. The predicted molecular weight is 21.9 kDa and the accession number is A6KJN3.

gp130 is a common signal transducing component of the functional receptor complexes for the interleukin (IL)-6 family of cytokines, ie, IL-6, IL-11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), oncostatin M, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and cardiotrophin-1. These cytokines exhibit pleiotropic biological activities in, for instance, immune, hematopoietic, and neural systems, and function in a redundant manner owing to the shared usage of gp130. gp130 IL6ST Protein, Rhesus macaque, Recombinant (His) is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with C-His tag. The predicted molecular weight is 69.09 kDa and the accession number is F7FXB6.

IL-6R Protein, Human, Recombinant (His) is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with His tag. The predicted molecular weight is 40 kDa and the accession number is A0N0L5.

gp130 IL6ST Protein, Human, Recombinant (His & hFc) is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with His and hFc tag. The predicted molecular weight is 96 kDa and the accession number is P40189-1.

gp130 IL6ST Protein, Human, Recombinant (aa 1-618, DDDDK) is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells. The predicted molecular weight is 68.4 kDa and the accession number is P40189-1.

IL-6R Protein, Human, Recombinant (hFc) is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with hFc tag. The predicted molecular weight is 65.3 kDa and the accession number is A0N0L5.

Interleukin-20 receptor subunit beta（IL20RB） is a single-pass type I membrane protein and belongs to the type II cytokine receptor family. It contains 2 fibronectin type-III domains. There are two kinds of type II cytokine receptors : cytokine receptors that bind type I and type II interferons; cytokine receptors that bind members of the interleukin-10 family (interleukin-10, interleukin-20 and interleukin-22). Type II cytokine receptors are similar to type I cytokine receptors except they do not possess the signature sequence WSXWS that is characteristic of type I receptors. They are expressed on the surface of certain cells, which bind and respond to a select group of cytokines. These receptors are related predominantly by sequence similarities in their extracellular portions that are composed of tandem Ig-like domains. The intracellular domain of type II cytokine receptors is typically associated with a tyrosine kinase belonging to the Janus kinase (JAK) family.

Interleukin 6 is a potent pleiotropic cytokine that regulates cell growth and differentiation and plays an important role in the immune response. IL6Ra is a part of the receptor for interleukin 6 cytokine. IL6Ra binds to IL6 with low affinity, but does not transduce a signal. Signal activation necessitates an association with IL6ST. Activation may lead to the regulation of the immune response, acute-phase reactions and hematopoiesis. Low concentration of a soluble form of IL6 receptor acts as an agonist of IL6 activity. Dysregulated production of IL6 and this receptor are implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as multiple myeloma, autoimmune diseases and prostate cancer.

gp130 IL6ST Protein, Human, Recombinant (hFc) is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with hFc tag. The predicted molecular weight is 94.4 kDa and the accession number is AAA59155.1.

IL-6R Protein, Mouse, Recombinant (His) is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with His tag. The predicted molecular weight is 39 kDa and the accession number is P22272.

IL-6R Protein, Human, Recombinant, Biotinylated is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells. The predicted molecular weight is 67.1 kDa and the accession number is A0N0L5.

gp130 IL6ST Protein, Human, Recombinant (mFc) is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with mFc tag. The predicted molecular weight is 94.11 kDa and the accession number is AAA59155.1.

The multifunctional factor interleukin 6 (IL-6) exerts its activities through binding to a high-affinity receptor complex consisting of two membrane glycoproteins: an 80 kDa component receptor that binds IL-6 with low affinity (IL-6R alpha) and a signal-transducing component of 130 kDa (gp130) that does not bind IL-6 by itself, but is required for high-affinity binding of IL-6 by the complex. Both components of the receptor complex, IL-6R alpha and gp130 have been cloned, sequenced, and expressed.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) is a transcription factor that is activated by interleukin-4 (IL-4)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and mediates most of the IL-4-induced gene expression. STAT6 plays a central role in exerting interleukin-4 (IL-4) mediated biological responses and is found to induce the expression of BCL2L1 BCL-XL, which is responsible for the anti-apoptotic activity of IL4. Transcriptional activation by STAT6 requires the interaction with coactivators like p300 and the CREB-binding protein (CBP). NF-κB and tyrosine-phosphorylated Stat6 can directly bind each other in vitro and in vivo, which suggests that the direct interaction between Stat6 and NF-κB may provide a basis for synergistic activation of transcription by IL-4 and activators of NF-κB.

IL-6R Protein, Human, Recombinant (His & Avi), Biotinylated is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with His and Avi tag. The predicted molecular weight is 41.80 kDa and the accession number is A0N0L5.

gp130 is a common signal transducing component of the functional receptor complexes for the interleukin (IL)-6 family of cytokines, ie, IL-6, IL-11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), oncostatin M, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and cardiotrophin-1. These cytokines exhibit pleiotropic biological activities in, for instance, immune, hematopoietic, and neural systems, and function in a redundant manner owing to the shared usage of gp130. gp130 IL6ST Protein, Human, Recombinant (His) is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with C-His tag. The predicted molecular weight is 68.94 kDa and the accession number is P40189-1.

Human Interleukin 31 (IL-31) is a cytokine containing a four-helix bundle structure. It shares several structural and functional characteristics with IL-6, Oncostatin M, LIF, and Cardiotrophin-1. Human IL-31 cDNA encodes a 164 amino acid precursor that contains a 23 amino acid signal peptide and a 141 amino acid mature protein. Human and mouse IL-31 share 24% sequence identity in the mature region. IL-31 is mainly associated with activated T cells and is preferentially expressed by type 2 helper T cells (Th2). IL-31 signals via a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of a gp130 related molecule termed IL-31RA (also GPL and GLMR) and an Oncostatin M receptor (OSM Rβ). The IL-31 receptor is constitutively expressed by keratinocytes and upregulated by IFNγ on monocytes. GPL OSMR signaling is a strong activator of STAT3 and STAT5, and can also activate STAT1, Jak1, and Jak2 signaling pathways. IL-31 regulated immune responses have been implicated in skin physiology and inflammatory skin diseases. Studies have shown that IL31 induces severe pruritis (itching) and dermatitis in transgenic mice.

Cardiotrophin-1, also known as CT-1 and CTF1, is a member of the IL-6 superfamily. It is a sreted cytokine that is expressed in heart, skeletal muscle, prostate and ovary, and to lower levels in lung, kidney, pancreas, thymus, testis and small intestine. The protein exerts its cellular effects by interacting with the glycoprotein 130 (gp130) leukemia inhibitory factor receptor beta (LIFR) heterodimer. In addition, CT-1 activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3 kinase) in cardiac myocytes and enhances transcription factor NF-κB DNA -binding activities.

Pre-B cell colony enhancing factor (PBEF) was originally identified as a cytokine that potentiated the clonal expansion and differentiation of pre-B cells, but it is also acknowledged to be the ubiquitous intracellular enzyme nicotinamide phosphoribosyltranferase (NAMPT) and the adipokine “visfatin”. PBEF is constitutively expressed in the fetal membranes where its greatest expression is in the amnion. It has intracellular and extracellular forms. Most of the intracellular functions of PBEF are due to its role as a Nampt which can induce angiogenesis through upregulation of VEGF and VEGFR and secretion of MCP-1. Extracellular PBEF has been shown to increase inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-16, and TGF-β1. PBEF also increases the production of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in CD14+ monocyctes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, enhances the effectiveness of T cells.

Chemokine (C-X-C-Motif) Ligand 6 (CXCL6) is a small cytokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family. It is a potent neutrophil chemotactic and activating factor and it exhibits extensive similarity to other CXC chemokines such as IL-8 and ENA-78. CXCL6 can promote the release of MMP-9 from granulocytes indicating its potential role as an inflammatory mediator. It functionally uses both of the IL-8 CXCL8 receptors to chemoattract neutrophils but that is structurally most related to epithelial cell-derived neutrophil attractant-78 (ENA-78) CXCL5. The human CXCL6 gene has been cloned and is physically mapped to the CXC chemokine locus on chromosome 4. Mature human CXCL6 is a 75 amino acid (aa) protein with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 8 kDa. Human CXCL6 shares 60% and 67% aa identity with mouse and bovine CXCL6, respectively.

CD93 has been shown critical roles in inflammatory and immune diseases. CD93 silencing increased IL-6 and TSLP, but not IL-33 levels in culture supernatants. HDM-induced asthma mice showed significant airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation with Th2 cytokine activation, along with decreased CD93 expression in bronchial epithelial cells and lung homogenates but increased serum CD93 levels.

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a glycoprotein belonging to the interleukin-6 family of cytokines that includes leukemia-inhibitory factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin 6. OSM encodes a growth regulator, which Inhibits the proliferation of a number of tumor cell lines. It stimulates proliferation of AIDS-KS cells. OSM regulates cytokine production, including IL-6, G-CSF and GM-CSF from endothelial cells. OSM is considered as a pleiotropic cytokine that initiates its biological activities through specific cell surface receptors. The low affinity LIF receptor that shares the similarity of containing protein gp130 has now been identified to be a component of a high- affinity OSM receptor that will transduce OSM signals. OSM has also been shown to play a role in both pro and anti-inflammatory actions. OSM may also be involved in many biometabolism processes including liver development, haematopoeisis, inflammation, bone formation and destruction and possibly CNS development.

Pre-mRNA binding protein in vivo, binds avidly to poly(G) and poly(U) RNA homopolymers in vitro. Involved in splicing. Acts as a receptor for carcinoembryonic antigen in Kupffer cells, may initiate a series of signaling events leading to tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins and induction of IL-1 alpha, IL-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha cytokines. HNRNPM Protein, Human, Recombinant (His & SUMO) is expressed in E. coli expression system with N-6xHis-SUMO tag. The predicted molecular weight is 93.4 kDa and the accession number is P52272.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, also known as SOCS-3, Cytokine-inducible SH2 protein 3, CIS-3, STAT-induced STAT inhibitor 3, SOCS3 and CIS3, is a protein which is widely expressed with high expression in heart, placenta, skeletal muscle, peripheral blood leukocytes, fetal and adult lung, and fetal liver and kidney. SOCS3 CIS3 contains one SH2 domain and one SOCS box domain. SOCS family proteins form part of a classical negative feedback system that regulates cytokine signal transduction. SOCS3 CIS3 is involved in negative regulation of cytokines that signal through the JAK STAT pathway. SOCS3 CIS3 inhibits cytokine signal transduction by binding to tyrosine kinase receptors including gp13, LIF, erythropoietin, insulin, IL12, GCSF and leptin receptors. Binding to JAK2 inhibits its kinase activity. SOCS3 CIS3 suppresses fetal liver erythropoiesis. It regulates onset and maintenance of allergic responses mediated by T-helper type 2 cells. SOCS3 CIS3 regulates IL-6 signaling. SOCS3 CIS3 interacts with multiple activated proteins of the tyrosine kinase signaling pathway including IGF1 receptor, insulin receptor and JAK2. SOCS3 CIS3 could be used as a possible therapeutic agent for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Interleukin-11(IL-11) is a secreted protein and belongs to the IL-6 superfamily. IL-11 has been demonstrated to improve platelet recovery after chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, induceacute phase proteins, modulate antigen-antibody responses, participate in the regulation of bone cellproliferation and differentiation and could be use as a therapeutic for osteoporosis. IL-11 stimulates the growth of certain lymphocytes and, in the murine model, stimulates an increase in the cortical thickness and strength of long bones. In addition to having lymphopoietic hematopoietic and osteotrophic properties, it has functions in many other tissues, including the brain, gut, testis and bone.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a growth factor and an essential cytokine which belongs to the IL-6 superfamily. Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factors are cytokines that act in hematopoiesis by controlling the production, differentiation, and function of 2 related white cell populations of the blood, the granulocytes and the monocytes-macrophages. G-CSF binding to its receptor G-CSF-R which belongs to the cytokine receptor type I family depends on the interaction of alpha-helical motifs of the former and two fibronectin type III as well as an immunoglobulin-like domain of the latter. G-CSF is a cytokine that have been demonstrated to improve cardiac function and perfusion in myocardial infarction. And it was initially evaluated as a stem cell mobilizer and erythropoietin as a cytoprotective agent.

IL-17F Protein, Mouse, Recombinant (His & Avi) is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with C-His-Avi tag. The predicted molecular weight is 17.8 kDa and the accession number is Q7TNI7-1.

IL-17F Protein, Human, Recombinant (His & Avi), Biotinylated is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with C-His-Avi tag. The predicted molecular weight is 17.5 14.9 kDa and the accession number is Q96PD4.

Siglec-8 is also known as SIGLEC8, SAF2, SIGLEC-8, SIGLEC8L and sialic acid binding Ig like lectin 8, is an approximately 75 kDa transmembrane glycoprotein in the Siglec family of sialic acid-binding immune regulatory molecules. Siglec-8 is expressed on eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells, and it shows a binding preference for the carbohydrate 6-O sulfated sLex. At the tissue level, Siglec-8 mRNA was found to be most highly expressed in lung, PBMCs, spleen, and kidney. Mature human Siglec-8 consists of a 347 amino acid (aa) extracellular domain (ECD) with three Ig-like domains, a 21 aa transmembrane segment, and a 115 aa cytoplasmic domain with two tyrosine based signaling motifs. Alternative splicing generates additional isoforms that either lack most of the second Ig-like domain or have a substituted cytoplasmic domain without the signaling motifs. Cross-linking of Siglec-8 inhibits Fc epsilon RI alpha induced mast cell degranulation. It also induces eosinophil apoptosis, an effect which is enhanced by the eosinophil-activating cytokines IL-5, IL-33, and GM-CSF.

Interleukin-31 receptor A (IL-31RA) is a newly identified type I cytokine receptor, that is related to gp130, the common receptor of the interleukin (IL) -6 family cytokines. IL-31RA forms a functional receptor complex for IL-31 together with the beta subunit of oncostatin M receptor (OSMRbeta). OSMRbeta is expressed in a subset of small-sized nociceptive neurons of adult dorsal root ganglia (DRGs).IL-31 and OSM may thus have redundant functions in the development of OSMRbeta-expressing neurons. IL-31RA Protein, Human, Recombinant (aa 20-519, His) is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with C-His tag. The predicted molecular weight is 58.2 kDa and the accession number is Q8NI17-1.

MAPK14 contains 1 protein kinase domain and belongs to the MAP kinase family. MAP kinases act as an integration point for multiple biochemical signals and are involved in a wide variety of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, transcription regulation, and development. MAPK14 can be detected in the brain, heart, placenta, pancreas, and skeletal muscle and it is expressed to a lesser extent in the lung, liver, and kidney. MAPK14 is activated by various environmental stresses and proinflammatory cytokines. The activation requires its phosphorylation by MAP kinase kinases (MKKs), or its autophosphorylation triggered by the interaction of MAP3K7IP1 TAB1 protein with MAPK14. The substrates of p38 alpha include transcription regulator ATF2, MEF2C, and MAX, cell cycle regulator CDC25B, and tumor suppressor p53, which suggest the roles of p38 alpha in stress-related transcription and cell cycle regulation, as well as in genotoxic stress response. In response to activation by environmental stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and lipopolysaccharide, MAPK14 phosphorylates some transcription factors, such as ELK1 and ATF2, and several downstream kinases, such as MAPKAPK2 and MAPKAPK5. MAPK14 plays a critical role in the production of some cytokines, for example, IL-6. It may play a role in the stabilization of EPO mRNA during hypoxic stress. Isoform Mxi2 activation is stimulated by mitogens and oxidative stress and only poorly phosphorylates ELK1 and ATF2.

IL-17F Protein, Human, Recombinant (His), Biotinylated is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with His tag. The predicted molecular weight is 73.3 kDa and the accession number is Q96PD4.

The Interleukin-17 family proteins, comprising six members (IL-17, IL-17B through IL-17F),are secreted, structurally related proteins that share a conserved cysteine-knot fold near the C-terminus, but have considerable sequence divergence at the N-terminus. IL-17 family proteins are proinflammatory cytokines that induce local cytokine production and are involved in the regulation of immune functions. Among IL-17 family members, IL-17D is most closely related to IL-17B, sharing 27% aa sequence homology. IL-17D is expressed preferentially in skeletal muscle, heart, adipose tissue, lung, pancreas, and nervous system. Like other IL-17 family members, IL-17D modulates immune responses indirectly by stimulating the production of myeloid growth factors and chemokines including IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF. IL-17D has also been shown to suppress the proliferation of myeloid progenitors in colony formation assays.

Siglecs are sialic acid specific I‑type lectins that are characterized by an extracellular domain (ECD) with an N‑terminal Ig‑like V‑set domain followed by varying numbers of Ig‑like C2‑set domains. Mouse Siglec‑E, also known as Myeloid Inhibitory Siglec (MIS), is an 80 ‑ 85 kDa member of the CD33‑related subfamily of Siglecs. Rodent and primate Siglec gene families have significantly diverged, and Siglec‑9 is the most likely human ortholog of mouse Siglec‑E. Siglec‑E is expressed as a heavily N‑glycosylated disulfide‑linked homodimer and shows binding preference for disialic acids in the alpha 2‑8 linkage. Siglec‑E is up‑regulated and additionally phosphorylated following cellular stimulation by a variety of TLR agonists. Siglec‑E signaling negatively regulates the LPS‑induced production of TNF‑ alpha and IL‑6 by macrophages. Its up‑regulation in macrophages parallels the development of endotoxin tolerance. Siglec‑E recognition of sialylated determinants on virulent T. cruzi contributes to the suppression of dendritic cell IL‑12 p40 production.

Butyrophilin-like 6 (BTNL6) is a member of the BTN MOG Ig-superfamily and functions with BTNL1 as a regulator of immune cell proliferation. The Btnl6 gene is found only in mice. BTNL6 expression is coordinated as a heteromeric protein with BTNL1, and the presence of this complex is correlated with expansion of gamma δ T cells, especially those containing V gamma 7Vδ4 TCR. Btnl6 shows striking sequence similarity to Skint1; is also largely restricted to an epithelial tissue (the small intestine) replete with T cells. Our in-house studies showed BTNL6 co-inhibited anti-CD3 induced IL-2 secretion on CD3+ cells.

Interleukin-17 is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by activated memory T cells. There are at least six members of the IL-17 family in humans and in mice. As IL-17 shares properties with IL-1 and TNF-alpha, it may induce joint inflammation and bone and cartilage destruction. This cytokine is found in synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and produced by rheumatoid arthritis synovium. It increases IL-6 production, induces collagen degradation and decreases collagen synthesis by synovium and cartilage and proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage. IL-17 is also able to increase bone destruction and reduce its formation. Blocking of interleukin-17 with specific inhibitors provides a protective inhibition of cartilage and bone degradation.

IL-17F Protein, Mouse, Recombinant (His & Avi), Biotinylated is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with C-His-Avi tag. The predicted molecular weight is 17.8 kDa and the accession number is Q7TNI7-1.

Interleukin-31 receptor A (IL-31RA) is a newly identified type I cytokine receptor, that is related to gp130, the common receptor of the interleukin (IL) -6 family cytokines. IL-31RA forms a functional receptor complex for IL-31 together with the beta subunit of oncostatin M receptor (OSMRbeta). OSMRbeta is expressed in a subset of small-sized nociceptive neurons of adult dorsal root ganglia (DRGs).IL-31 and OSM may thus have redundant functions in the development of OSMRbeta-expressing neurons. IL-31RA Protein, Human, Recombinant (aa 20-519, hFc) is expressed in HEK293 mammalian cells with C-hFc tag. The predicted molecular weight is 83.8 kDa and the accession number is Q8NI17-1.

IL-1 alpha is a member of the interleukin 1 cytokine family. Cytokines are proteinaceous signaling compounds that are major mediators of the immune response. They control many different cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival apoptosis but are also involved in several pathophysiological processes including viral infections and autoimmune diseases. Cytokines are synthesized under various stimuli by a variety of cells of both the innate (monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells) and adaptive (T- and B-cells) immune systems. Cytokines can be classified into two groups: pro- and anti-inflammatory. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IFNgamma, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, are predominantly derived from the innate immune cells and Th1 cells. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-10, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5, are synthesized from Th2 immune cells. IL-1 alpha is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in various immune responses, inflammatory processes, and hematopoiesis. It is produced by monocytes and macrophages as a proprotein, which is proteolytically processed and released in response to cell injury, and thus induces apoptosis. IL-1 alpha stimulates thymocyte proliferation by inducing IL-2 release, B-cell maturation and proliferation, and fibroblast growth factor activity.

Pentraxin-related protein PTX3, also known as Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 5, Tumor necrosis factor-inducible gene 14 protein, TSG-14, PTX3 and TNFAIP5, is a secreted protein that contains one pentaxin domain. PTX3 plays a role in the regulation of innate resistance to pathogens, inflammatory reactions, possibly clearance of self-components and female fertility. Pentraxins are a family of evolutionarily conserved multifunctional pattern-recognition proteins characterized by a cyclic multimeric structure. Based on the primary structure of the subunit, the pentraxins are divided into two groups: short pentraxins and long pentraxins. C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid P-component (SAP) are the two short pentraxins. The prototype protein of the long pentraxin group is pentraxin 3 (PTX3). CRP and SAP are produced primarily in the liver in response to IL-6, while PTX3 is produced by a variety of tissues and cells and in particular by innate immunity cells in response to proinflammatory signals and Toll-like receptor (TLR) engagement. PTX3 is essential in female fertility by acting as a nodal point for the assembly of the cumulus oophorus hyaluronan-rich extracellular matrix. PTX3 interacts with several ligands, including growth factors, extracellular matrix components and selected pathogens, playing a role in complement activation and facilitating pathogen recognition by phagocytes, acting as a predecessor of antibodies. PTX3 may also contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.