KLH (Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin) (Immunological Grade)

General Description

Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) is a carrier protein with high molecular weight, ranging from 3,000,000-7,500,000 Da. KLH is a copper-containing extracellular respiratory protein found in the marine gastropod Megathura crenulata. This has many available primary amines to facilitate protein conjugation and is used to immunize animals to elicit antibodies to small molecules (haptens) by covalent conjugation. This protein exists in two isoforms- KLH1 and KLH2. In few pulmonate gastropods this protein is synthesized by connective tissue “pore cells”, where KLH resides as cylindrical macromolecules and even forms intracellular crystalline arrays in the endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. It belongs to the hemocyanin protein family which are found in the hemolymph of many molluscs and arthropods. KLH has a total of 300-600 lysine amine groups available for coupling, making it an outstanding carrier protein.

Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) is a hemocyanin, and its main function is oxygen uptake, transport and release. Hemocyanins exist as oligomers with one or more subunit types. The protein subunit contains the FU (functional unit), which contains a binuclear copper binding site that is capable of binding oxygen. It has potent immunostimulatory properties in animals and human. This protein finds major clinical use in the treatment of bladder carcinoma. It finds use as a carrier for carcinoma ganglioside and mucin-like epitopes, and has potential for the treatment of various carcinomas, particularly epithelially derived adenocarcinoma.

The native form of KLH has low endotoxin content and consistent high concentration in a phosphate buffer containing no extraneous metal ions for product stabilization, however with improved stability. This research grade material is suited for use in vaccine product development activities and also for routine immunological studies, antibody production, production of activated KLH and other developmental activities.

Assay:                                   > 95%

Form:                                     Liquid

Molecular Weight:              370KDa

Storage Temperature:        2-8°C