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Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is the founding member of the IL-10 family of class II cytokines. All of the IL-10 cytokine family members have a four-helix bundle consisting of α-helical folds. Upon binding to its receptor, IL-10 activates signaling through JAK1 and STAT3. It is produced by dendritic cells, macrophages, and CD4+ T regulatory cells, as well as mast cells, NK cells, neutrophils, and regulatory B cells, under specific stimulating conditions (Saraiva and O'Garra). IL-10 can inhibit the activation of certain immune cells while it promotes the function of B cells, and facilitate healing process. Specifically, this cytokine is important for the function of T regulatory cells as it is a potent suppressor of effector T cell proliferation and cytokine production. Also, IL-10 produced by a subset of macrophages inhibits activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by neighboring macrophages, thus allowing a level of self-regulation. IL-10 enhances B cell proliferation, immunoglobulin secretion, and class II MHC expression (Ouyang et al.).

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Interleukin 3 (IL-3) is a species-specific pleiotropic cytokine that promotes the survival and proliferation of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells and lineage-committed progenitor cells and their differentiation into mature cells of most lineages, including mast cells, basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, erythrocytes, and megakaryocytes (Fung et al.; Metcalf et al.; Broughton et al.). IL-3 is produced by activated T cells, and has a physiological role in inflammation and allergies by promoting the secretion of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, IL-4, and IL-6 by mast cells, basophils and eosinophils. The mouse IL-3 receptor consists of a unique alpha-subunit (CD123) and two beta subunits, one specific for IL-3 (βIL-3), the other shared with the receptors for IL-5 and GM-CSF (beta common chain, βc or CD131). IL-3 binding to heterodimeric receptors containing the alpha subunit and one of either beta subunits activates JAK/STAT, MAPK, and PI3K signaling pathways (Scott and Begley).

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Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic growth factor with the wide range of biological activities in immune regulation, hematopoiesis, and oncogenesis. IL-6 is produced by a variety of cell types including T cells, B cells, monocytes and macrophages, fibroblasts, hepatocytes, vascular endothelial cells, and various tumor cell lines. On its own or in combination with other factors such as IL-2 and interferon-γ, IL-6 stimulates the proliferation of B cells, T cells, and hybridoma cells (Hirano et al.; Mihara et al.; Tanaka et al). In combination with cytokines such as IL-3, GM-CSF and SCF, IL-6 has been shown to promote hematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro. IL-6 signals through a cell surface type I cytokine receptor complex consisting of the ligand-binding IL-6α (CD126) and the signal-transducing gp130 subunits. The binding of IL-6 to its receptor system includes activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway (Mihara et al.; Peters et al.; Tanaka et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that activates NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Activated T cells and macrophages are the primary producers of TNF-α in response to inflammation and infectious conditions. Many other cell types have been shown to produce TNF-α, among them B cells, NK cells, mast cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, microglia, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, cardiomyocytes, and fibroblasts. TNF-α has cytotoxic effects on cancerous cells by stimulating anti-tumor immunosuppressive responses. TNF-α stimulates expression of E- and P-selectins, thus facilitating adhesion of neutrophils, monocytes, and memory T cells to activated platelets and endothelial cells (Zelová and Hošek). Other effects of TNF-α include vasodilatation and edema formation. In vitro studies of adult rat neural progenitor cells (NPCs) demonstrate that TNF-α reduces neurogenesis in dentate gyrus-derived NPCs, and promotes astrogliogenesis in subventricular zone-derived NPCs (Borsini et al.).

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Fibroblast growth factor 8B (FGF-8B) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family and is an isoform of FGF-8. Cytokines in the FGF family possess broad mitogenic and cell survival activities (Folkman andamp; Klagsbrun; Kimelman andamp; Kirschner) and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis (Folkman andamp; Klagsbrun; Klagsbrun; Rifkin andamp; Moscatelli). FGF-8B signals through FGF receptors (FGFRs) to activate PI3K and MAPK pathways. FGF-8B is broadly associated with mitogenic and cell survival activities, and regulates gastrulation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and later on mesenchymal to epithelial differentiation during embryonic development. FGF-8B has also been found in peripheral blood leukocytes and healthy bone marrow samples (Mattila andamp; Härkönen). FGF-8B has mitogenic effects on somatic cells in the germinal epithelium and is expressed in adult mouse ovarian cells and tissues, which suggests that it regulates maturation of oocytes and seminiferous epithelium in testis (Valve et al.).

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Fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF-7) is a member of the FGF family, and acts exclusively through a subset of FGF receptor isoforms expressed predominantly by epithelial cells (Finch and Rubin). FGF-7 seems to act specifically on epithelial cells and stimulates proliferation, migration, and differentiation of these cells, and also participates in epithelial protection and repair both in vitro and in vivo (Finch and Rubin; Werner). In contrast, FGF-7 is produced solely by cells of mesenchymal origin, and functions as a paracrine mediator of mesenchymal-epithelial communication (Rubin et al.). FGF-7 has also been shown to supplement several wound-healing properties of bioengineered skin (Erdag et al.) and to induce autophagy in human keratinocytes (Belleudi et al.). Additionally, FGF-7 has a role in the differentiation of pluripotent stem cell to endodermal pancreatic-like insulin-producing cells and thymic epithelial cells (Inami et al.; Niu et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is the founding member of the IL-10 family of class II cytokines. All of the IL-10 cytokine family members have a four-helix bundle consisting of α-helical folds. Upon binding to its receptor, IL-10 activates signaling through JAK1 and STAT3. It is produced by dendritic cells, macrophages, and CD4 T cells, as well as mast cells, NK cells, neutrophils, and B cells, under specific stimulating conditions (Saraiva and O'Garra). IL-10 can inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote healing processes, and is important for the function of T regulatory cells. IL-10 also enhances B cell proliferation, immunoglobulin secretion, and class II MHC expression, while IL-10 produced by macrophages inhibits activation of neighboring macrophages, thus allowing a level of self-regulation (Ouyang et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is a member of the lipocalin superfamily, which share a highly conserved fold containing an eight-stranded antiparallel beta barrel (Flower), and transport small hydrophobic molecules. Playing a role in innate immunity, Lipocalin-2 acts as a potent bacteriostatic reagent by sequestering iron-containing siderophores (Flo et al.). It is mainly expressed in activated neutrophils, but is also secreted by other immune cells in response to infection. Lipocalin-2 has been implicated in multiple cellular processes, such as differentiation (Yang et al.), migration (Du et al.), and apoptosis (Devireddy et al.). In vitro studies suggest that lipocalin-2 is a potential therapeutic target for certain cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC; Zhang et al.) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (Bauvois et al.). This protein product contains a His-residue tag at the carboxyl end of the polypeptide chain. For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, lipocalin-2 from STEMCELL comes lyophilised with ≥94% purity, and endotoxin levels are verified to be ≤1.0 EU/μg protein.

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Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a dimeric glycoprotein consisting of two disulfide bridge-stabilized polypeptide chains, A and B, which are assembled as heterodimers (PDGF-AB) or homodimers (PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB) (Fretto et al.; Westermark and Heldin). PDGF signals through the receptor tyrosine kinases PDGFRalpha and PDGFRbeta. PDGF-induced migration has been shown to involve MEK/ERK, EGFR, Src, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways (Kim et al.). PDGF is a potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin- like fibroblasts, glial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. PDGF has been implicated in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, glomerulonephritis, cancer, and in the contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells of rat aortic tissues (Fretto et al.; Sachinidis et al.). PDGF-BB is secreted by osteoblasts to induce mesenchymal stem cell migration and angiogenesis. It has also been shown that PDGF-BB is secreted by preosteoclasts during bone modeling and remodeling to induce angiogenesis and thus proper osteogenesis (Xie et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HBEGF) is a member of the EGF family (Nishi and Klagsbrun). HBEGF promotes blastocyst adhesion to the uterine wall (Iwamoto and Mekada). It also plays a role in smooth muscle cell hyperplasia and brain injury (Nishi and Klagsburn). HBEGF produced by CD4+ T cells promotes wound healing by stimulating migration and proliferation of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells (Blotnick et al.). It binds to EGFR, ErbB4, ErbB2, and ErbB3, activating the PI3K/AKT signaling cascade (Iwamoto and Mekada). HBEGF is produced in a variety of cells, where it contributes to physiological and pathological processes. HBEGF is overexpressed in ovarian, breast, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and endometrial cancers, which likely contributes to pathogenesis (Miyata et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) is a member of the IL-1 family that binds to IL-1 receptors but does not induce any intracellular signaling (Arend et al.). IL-1RA is a natural regulator of IL-1’s biological activity. It binds to the IL-1 receptors with similar affinity as IL-1, thereby inhibiting the proinflammatory activities of IL-1ɑ and IL-1ꞵ (Kinne et al.). In particular, mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to enhance tissue repair in an IL-1RA-dependent manner through the suppression of IL-1ꞵ production in dermal macrophages and enhanced expansion of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells in the skin (Harrell et al.). IL-1RA has also been shown to help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (Cutolo), sepsis, asthma (Mao et al.), and inflammatory bowel diseases (Dosh et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Complement factor D is a component of the alternative pathway of the complement system and part of the innate immune system, playing a vital role in the initiation and amplification of complement activation, in order to defend against infection (Barratt and Weitz). A serine protease belonging to the S1 peptidase family, complement factor D is secreted by adipocytes into circulating blood, and is also expressed by macrophages and monocytes (White et al.). In the initiation phase of the complement pathway, complement factor D cleaves complement factor B (bound to component C3) to produce a complex known as C3 convertase. During the amplification phase, complement factor D cleaves complement factor B (bound to component C3b) to produce the C3bBb convertase, and is involved in the propagation of complement activation. In addition to its immunological role, complement factor D is involved in other physiological processes, such as the efficient clearing of damaged cell debris by phagocytes following acute liver injury (Cresci et al.). Complement factor D deficiency is associated with an increased susceptibility to pathogens like Neisseria meningitidis (Biesma et al.). This protein contains a His-residue tag at the carboxyl end of the polypeptide chain. For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, complement factor D from STEMCELL comes lyophilised with ≥94% purity, and is verified by LAL analysis to ensure endotoxin levels are ≤1,0 EU/μg protein.

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Vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D) is a member of the VEGF/platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family of proteins. VEGF-D is a potent angiogenic factor and promotes lymphangiogenesis, endothelial cell growth and survival, and can affect blood vessel permeability. VEGF-D is expressed in the lung, heart, small intestine, fetal lung, and at lower levels in the pancreas, colon, and skeletal muscle (Otrock et al.; Roy et al.; Stacker et al.; Yamada et al.). VEGF-D is a ligand for VEGF receptors 2 (Flk1) and 3 (Flt4) (Baldwin et al.). VEFGR-3 is highly expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells and is essential for their growth and differentiation (Otrock et al.; Roy et al.). Binding of VEGF-D to neuropilins contributes to VEGFR-3 signaling during lymphangiogenesis, whereas binding to integrin α9β1 promotes endothelial cell adhesion and migration (Roy et al.; Otrock et al.). During embryogenesis, VEGF-D also plays a role in the formation of the venous and lymphatic systems.

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A member of the apolipoprotein family, Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) is a major glycoprotein component of high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles (Frank and Marcel) which facilitate the reverse transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver. Apo A-I binds to the scavenger receptor SR-A1, allowing HDL particles to interact with cells in peripheral tissues (Neyen et al.), and is involved in the esterification of cholesterol, acting as a cofactor for lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT; Frohlich). Apo A-I has been shown to bind to the scavenger receptor SR-B1 (Williams et al.) and the beta chain of ATP synthase (Martinez et al.) on hepatocytes, highlighting its importance in HDL endocytosis. Mutations in the APOA1 encoding gene may result in dysregulated HDL levels, leading to an increased risk of amyloidosis and ischemic heart disease (Haase et al.; Obici et al.). This protein product contains a His-residue tag at the amino end of the polypeptide chain. This protein product contains a His-residue tag at the amino end of the polypeptide chain. For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, sclerostin from STEMCELL comes lyophilised with ≥92% purity.

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Interleukin 3 (IL-3) is a species-specific pleiotropic cytokine that promotes the survival and proliferation of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells and lineage-committed progenitor cells and their differentiation into mature cells of most lineages, including basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, erythrocytes, and megakaryocytes (Yang et al.; Dorssers et al.; Broughton et al.). IL-3 is produced by activated T cells and has a physiological role in inflammation and allergies by promoting the secretion of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, IL-4, and IL-6 by basophils and eosinophils (Broughton et al.). The IL-3 receptor consists of a unique alpha subunit (CD123) and a beta common subunit (βc or CD131) that is shared with the receptors for IL-5 and GM-CSF, and is the principal signal transduction subunit for these cytokines. IL-3 binding to the heterodimeric receptor activates JAK/STAT, MAPK, and PI3K signaling pathways (Woodcock et al.). This product is animal component-free.

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Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), also known as type II interferon, is produced by T and NK cells, and in smaller amounts by dendritic cells and macrophages. IFN-γ is controlled by cytokines such as IL-12 and IL-18 secreted in response to infection (Schroder et al.). IFN-γ binds to a receptor complex and initiates signal transduction via the JAK/STAT pathway; this culminates in the transcription and activation of many genes that control a diverse array of immunological functions (de Weerd and Nguyen; Krause et al.). IFN-γ stimulates the antimicrobial and anti-tumor activity of macrophages, NK cells, and neutrophils (Billiau and Matthys) by promoting the activation of microbial effector functions such as production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and complement (Schroder et al.). IFN-γ enhances MHC class I and II expression in dendritic cells and mononuclear phagocytes, as well as the production of IL-12 by dendritic cells. In B cells, IFN-γ stimulates survival and growth in both mouse and human cells, and redirects B cells from proliferation towards differentiation. IFN-γ favors the development of Th1 vs Th2 cells and stimulates monocyte differentiation and function (Schroder et al.).

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Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) promotes the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells and the generation of neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages. In synergy with other cytokines such as stem cell factor, IL-3, erythropoietin, and thrombopoietin, it also stimulates erythroid and megakaryocyte progenitor cells (Barreda et al.). GM-CSF is produced by multiple cell types, including stromal cells, Paneth cells, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and Th1 and Th17 cells T cells (Francisco-Cruz et al.). The receptor for GM-CSF (GM-CSFR) is composed of two subunits: the cytokine-specific α subunit (GMRα; CD116) and the common subunit βc (CD131) shared with IL-3 and IL-5 receptors (Broughton et al.). GM-CSFR is expressed on hematopoietic cells, including progenitor cells and immune cells, as well as non-hematopoietic cells. GM-CSF is able to stimulate the development of DCs that ingest, process, and present antigens to the immune system (Francisco-Cruz et al.). Recombinant rat GM-CSF is reactive with mouse cells (Oaks et al.; Vandenabeele et al.).

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Interferon alpha 1 (IFNA1) belongs to the type 1 interferon family of cytokines, which bind interferon alpha receptors (IFNAR; composed of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 subunits) that are involved in interferon-induced JAK-STAT signaling (Shemesh et al.). Interferons have inhibitory effects on viral replication and pathogenesis, and studies have found that IFN alpha can prevent the spread of herpes simplex virus (HSV) (Mikloska and Cunningham), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (George and Mattapallil). Pegylated forms of IFN alpha are currently approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (Woo et al.). IFN alpha also displays anti-tumor effects by regulating cell growth and proliferation, and it is used in the treatment of different cancers (Tagliaferri et al.). Interferons display alpha-helical structures with four helices forming an antiparallel alpha-helix bundle (Walter). This protein contains a His-residue tag at the carboxyl end of the polypeptide chain. For consistency and reproducibility across your applications, interferon alpha 1 from STEMCELL comes lyophilised with ≥90% purity, specific activity EC50 ≤40 to 200 pg/ml, and LAL analysis verification ensuring endotoxin levels are ≤1,0 EU/μg protein.

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Stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha (SDF-1α) is a member of the CXC group of chemokines that binds to the G-protein coupled receptor, CXCR4, to regulate migration, proliferation, differentiation, and survival of many cell types including hematopoietic stem cells, B cells, and T cells. It is produced by bone marrow stromal cells, osteoblasts, endothelial cells, and neuronal cells. SDF-1α was first identified as the pre-B-cell growth-stimulating factor (PBSF) in the mouse bone marrow-derived stromal cell line, PA6, in the growth of B cell precursors (Hayashi et al.). SDF-1α primarily regulates cell motility during development and adulthood, including the homing of hematopoietic stem cells and neutrophils to fetal bone marrow during ontogeny (Ara et al. 2003a) and the recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells from bone marrow during angiogenesis in adulthood (Zheng et al.). In addition to its role in hematopoiesis, the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway is also essential for the homing of primordial germ cells to gonads (Ara et al. 2003b), the migration of granule cells in the cerebellum during neurogenesis (Zou et al.), and the migration of breast cancer cells to sites of metastasis (Muller et al.).

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Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) is the founding member of the family of cytokines that includes IL-17B through IL-17F. It is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in defense against pathogens. IL-17A and IL-17F signal as homodimers or heterodimers through the same receptor, and activate NF-κB, MAPK, and C/EBP pathways (Gaffen). IL-17A is produced by Th17 cells, CD8+ T cells, γ/δ T cells, natural killer (NK) T cells, B cells, innate lymphoid cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) (Cua and Tato; Gaffen; Mojsilović et al.). IL-17A mediates protection against extracellular pathogens, and together with IL-22 stimulates production of antimicrobial peptides. It induces granulopoiesis factors and neutrophil-specific chemokines. Together with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-17A induces a sustained neutrophil recruitment during inflammation (Cua and Tato). IL-17A receptor is expressed at particularly high levels on stromal cells, including MSCs. IL-17A increases the frequency and the average size of fibroblast colony-forming units (CFU-F), as well as the proliferation of marrow-derived MSCs. It enhances osteogenic differentiation, and inhibits adipocyte differentiation and chondrogenesis (Mojsilović et al.).

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Galectin-1 (Gal1) was the first characterized member of the galectin family of galactosidase-binding proteins, with over 15 mammalian galectins identified (Camby et al.; Salatino et al.). Gal1 comes in two forms: the oxidized monomer that acts as a cytokine, and the reduced dimer that acts as a lectin (Gaudet et al.). This product is in the dimer form. This cytokine is expressed in many tissues and has an immunosuppressive role in affecting T cell homeostasis by various mechanisms such as regulating apoptosis, cytokine secretion, cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and other effects (Camby et al.; Garín et al.; Gaudet et al.; Salatino et al.). In addition, Gal1 is thought to also play a role in axonal regeneration after injuries (Camby et al.; Garín et al.; Gaudet et al.; Salatino et al.). There are several therapeutic applications suggested for Gal1; overexpression has been suggested as a therapy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and enhancing axonal regeneration in injured nerves (Camby et al.; Gaudet et al.). In contrast, inhibition of Gal1 has been suggested to prevent tumor metastasis and cancer progression, as it may aid in cell adhesion, migration, and immune escape of cancer cells (Camby et al.).

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Leptin is a protein produced from the ob gene or lep gene, and acts as both a hormone involved in metabolic function as well as a proinflammatory cytokine by inducing Th1 immune responses (Dunn et al.; La Cava; Newman and Gonzalez-Perez). Leptin is a member of the gp130 family of cytokines and is known to be correlated with obesity (Dixit et al.; Dunn et al.). Leptin can both promote osteogenesis via osteoblast receptors and inhibit it through its actions on the hypothalamus (Figenschau et al.). It is a small, non-glycosylated protein with a highly conserved sequence between species. Leptin binds to the leptin receptor OB-R, which exists in six isoforms in humans and can activate various Janus kinase (JAK) and downstream pathways (Dunn et al.; Münzberg and Morrison; Newman and Gonzalez-Perez). For example, the binding of leptin to LepRb receptor activates JAK2, which leads to the phosphorylation of both JAK2 and the LepRb receptor, with three separate residues on the receptor triggering signaling pathways for SHP-2, STAT5, and STAT3 (Dunn et al.; Münzberg and Morrison). In addition to its effects on mature immune cells, other studies have suggested impacts on other cell types, with activities such as inducing cell proliferation and morphological differentiation in hematopoietic cell lines, chondrocytes, and hepatic cells (Figenschau et al.; Gainsford et al.; Santos-Alvarez et al.; Wang et al.).

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Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) promotes the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells and the generation of neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages. In synergy with other cytokines such as stem cell factor, IL-3, erythropoietin, and thrombopoietin, it also stimulates erythroid and megakaryocyte progenitor cells (Barreda et al.). GM-CSF is produced by multiple cell types, including stromal cells, Paneth cells, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and Th1 and Th17 T cells (Francisco-Cruz et al.). The receptor for GM-CSF (GM-CSFR) is composed of two subunits: the cytokine-specific α subunit (GMRα; CD116) and the common subunit βc (CD131) shared with IL-3 and IL-5 receptors (Broughton et al.). GM-CSFR is expressed on hematopoietic cells, including progenitor cells and immune cells, as well as non-hematopoietic cells. Recombinant human GM-CSF (rhGM-CSF) promotes the production of myeloid cells of the granulocytic (neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils) and monocytic lineages in vivo. It has been tested for mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells and for treating chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in patients. GM-CSF is able to stimulate the development of DCs that ingest, process, and present antigens to the immune system (Francisco-Cruz et al.).

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Interleukin 21 (IL-21) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is composed of four α-helical bundles and primarily produced by natural killer T (NKT) cells, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, and Th17 cells (Spolski and Leonard 2008). IL-21 signals via receptor heterodimerization of IL-21 receptor and IL-2 receptor subunit gamma (IL-2RG or CD132), both of which have a common gamma-chain subunit and activate the JAK/STAT, MAPK, and PI3K pathways (Parrish-Novak et al.; Ozaki et al. 2000; Spolski and Leonard 2014). IL-21 has been shown to have a critical role in regulating immunoglobulin production and differentiation of the pro-inflammatory Th17 population of cells (Ozaki et al. 2002; Nurieva et al.). Additionally, IL-21 specifically sustains CD8+ T cell effector activity and provides a mechanism of CD4+ T cell help during chronic viral infection (Elsaesser et al.). IL-21 signaling was also found critical for the development of type 1 diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice (Sutherland et al.) and control of T cell autoimmunity by regulatory B cells (Yoshizaki et al.).

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Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a dimeric glycoprotein consisting of two disulfide bridge stabilized polypeptide chains, A and B, which are assembled as heterodimers (PDGF-AB) or homodimers (PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB) (Fretto et al.; Westermark and Heldin). PDGF signals through the receptor tyrosine kinases PDGFRalpha and PDGFRbeta. It has been shown that PDGF-induced migration involves signaling pathways involving MEK/ERK, EGFR, Src and PI3K/AKT (Kim et al.). PDGF is a potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin- like fibroblasts, glial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. PDGF has been implicated in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, glomerulonephritis, cancer, and in the contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells of rat aortic tissues (Fretto et al.; Sachinidis et al.). PDGF-BB is secreted by osteoblasts to induce mesenchymal stem cell migration and angiogenesis. It has also been shown that PDGF-BB is secreted by preosteoclasts during bone modeling and remodeling to induce angiogenesis and thus proper osteogenesis (Xie et al.).

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Stem cell factor (SCF) is an early-acting cytokine that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of embryonic and adult hematopoiesis. SCF promotes cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and functional activation of cells at multiple levels of the hematopoietic hierarchy. Together with other cytokines such as thrombopoietin and Flt3/Flk-2 Ligand, SCF is commonly used to promote expansion of primitive hematopoietic stem cells and multi-potent progenitor cells in culture (Huang et al.; Kent et al.). In synergy with various growth factors, including IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-7, G-CSF, and erythropoietin, SCF increases proliferation and differentiation of myeloid and erythroid progenitor cells and a subset of lymphoid progenitor cells (Broudy). In the mouse, SCF is essential during fetal gonadal development (Mauduit). It is produced by stromal cells in the fetal liver, bone marrow, and thymus, in the central nervous system, in keratinocytes, and in the gut mucosa, and can function as a chemotactic and chemokinetic factor. SCF exists in two biologically active splice forms: a soluble and a transmembrane isoform. Upon binding to its receptor (c-kit tyrosine kinase receptor; CD117), it activates PI3K, JAK/STAT, and MAPK pathways. SCF and signaling from c-kit has also been reported to play an important role in pigmentation, fertility, vasculogenesis, motility of the gut via c-kit-positive interstitial cells of Cajal, and in the migration of neuronal stem and progenitor cells to sites of injury in the brain (Lennartsson and Ronnstrand).

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Betacellulin is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, and signals through EGF receptor and ERBB4. It activates ERK and AKT pathways, which induces neural stem cell proliferation and prevents spontaneous differentiation in culture. Betacellulin stimulates the expansion of neural stem cells, transit-amplifying cells, and neuroblasts derived from subventricular zone and dentate gyrus (Gómez-Gaviro et al.). It is a potent mitogen for retinal pigment epithelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. Betacellulin down-regulates E-cadherin expression in ovarian cancer cell lines via MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, thus increasing cell migration (Zhao et al.). It is a modulator of interferon (IFN) response and enhances anti-viral effects of IFN (Al-Yahya et al.). Betacellulin is expressed in pancreatic α cells, β cells, and duct cells. It induces the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell lines, inhibits apoptosis, promotes the neogenesis of β cells, and converts non-β cells into insulin-producing cells (Kawaguchi et al.; Miyagawa al.; Saito et al.).

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The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family has five heparin-binding members that assemble into four homodimers (PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, PDGF-CC, and PDGF-DD) and one heterodimer (PDGF-AB; Fretto et al.; Li and Eriksson). PDGF signals through the receptor tyrosine kinases PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. It has been shown that PDGF-induced migration involves signaling pathways involving MEK/ERK, EGFR, Src, and PI3K/AKT (Kim et al.). PDGF is a potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin, such as fibroblasts, glial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. PDGF has been implicated in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, glomerulonephritis, cancer, and in the contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells of rat aortic tissues (Fretto et al.; Sachinidis et al.). PDGF-BB is secreted by osteoblasts to induce mesenchymal stem cell migration and angiogenesis. It has also been shown that PDGF-BB is secreted by preosteoclasts during bone modeling and remodeling to induce angiogenesis and thus proper osteogenesis (Xie et al.).

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RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), also known as CCL5, is a member of the CC family of chemokines and is able to recruit leukocytes to sites of inflammation (Schall et al.). RANTES is secreted by T lymphocytes, macrophages, platelets, synovial fibroblasts, tubular epithelium, and certain types of tumor cells (Aldinucci and Colombatti; Soria and Ben-Baruch). This chemokine exerts its effect by interacting with the chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR3, CCR4, and CCR5. RANTES plays an active role in recruiting a variety of leukocytes into inflammatory sites, including T cells, macrophages, eosinophils, and basophils. In collaboration with certain cytokines that are released by T cells such as IL-2 and IFN-γ, RANTES also induces the activation and proliferation of NK cells to generate CC chemokine-activated killer cells, which are highly cytolytic (Lv et al.; Maghazachi et al.). It has been shown that RANTES produced by CD8+ T cells inhibits HIV infection of primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (Appay and Rowland-Jones; Cocchi et al.).

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Fibroblast growth factor 8B (FGF-8B) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family and is an isoform of FGF-8. Cytokines in the FGF family possess broad mitogenic and cell survival activities (Folkman and Klagsbrun; Kimelman and Kirschner) and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis (Folkman and Klagsbrun; Klagsbrun; Rifkin and Moscatelli). FGF-8B signals through FGF receptors (FGFRs) to activate PI3K and MAPK pathways. FGF-8B regulates gastrulation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and mesenchymal to epithelial differentiation during embryonic development. FGF-8B has also been found in peripheral blood leukocytes and healthy bone marrow samples (Mattila and Härkönen). FGF-8B has mitogenic effects on somatic cells in the germinal epithelium and is expressed in adult mouse ovarian cells and tissues, which suggests that it regulates maturation of oocytes and seminiferous epithelium in testes (Valve et al.). This product is animal component-free.