EBI3 Mouse
Description
Introduction to EBI3 Mouse
EBI3 (Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3) is a cytokine subunit belonging to the IL-12 family, initially identified in B cells infected with Epstein-Barr virus. In mice, EBI3 plays critical roles in immune regulation, forming heterodimeric cytokines such as IL-27 (with p28) and IL-35 (with p35). These cytokines modulate immune responses, including T cell polarization, dendritic cell (DC) maturation, and viral persistence. EBI3-deficient mouse models (Ebi3−/−) have been instrumental in uncovering its biological functions, particularly in balancing pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways .
Molecular Structure and Associated Cytokines
EBI3 is a secreted glycoprotein that pairs with other subunits to form functional cytokines:
EBI3 lacks disulfide bonds, making its heterodimers less stable than other IL-12 family members .
Viral Persistence and Latency
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Mouse Cytomegalovirus (MCMV) Infection:
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EBI3 is upregulated in NK cells during MCMV infection, sustaining IL-10 production to suppress DC maturation and CD8+ T cell activation. Ebi3−/− mice exhibit reduced viral loads in salivary glands, indicating EBI3’s role in promoting viral latency .
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IL-10 levels in serum and NK cells are significantly lower in Ebi3−/− mice, correlating with enhanced antiviral immunity .
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Autoimmunity and Inflammation
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Colitis Models:
Ebi3−/− Knockout Mice
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Phenotype:
Recombinant EBI3 Proteins and Antibodies
EBI3 as a Cytokine Sink
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EBI3 binds extracellular IFN-γ and IL-10, blocking their receptor signaling:
Role in Dendritic Cell and T Cell Dynamics
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DC Maturation: Ebi3−/− mice show increased CD86/CD40 on DCs, enhancing T cell priming .
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CD8+ T Cell Activation: Higher NKG2D+ CD8+ T cells in Ebi3−/− mice correlate with reduced viral persistence .
Therapeutic Implications
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
EBI3 plays a crucial role in the immune response. It is involved in the regulation of T-cell responses and has been shown to have both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects depending on the context . The protein is particularly important in the context of viral infections, such as those caused by EBV, where it helps modulate the immune response to prevent excessive inflammation .
Recombinant Mouse EBI3 is produced using E. coli expression systems and is used extensively in research to study its function and potential therapeutic applications . The recombinant protein is typically purified to a high degree of purity (>90%) and is used in various assays to understand its binding properties and biological activities .
Recombinant Mouse EBI3 is used in a variety of research applications, including:
- Functional assays: To study the binding and activity of EBI3 in different biological contexts .
- Immunological studies: To understand the role of EBI3 in immune regulation and its potential as a therapeutic target .
- Protein interaction studies: To investigate how EBI3 interacts with other proteins and cytokines .
