Recombinant human IL-8 protein
QK119
Brand: Qkine
Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is an inflammatory cytokine that acts as a chemoattractant to neutrophils. It promotes the differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors into monocytic lineages including megakaryocytes, monocytes and macrophages. IL-8 can be used for the culture and differentiation of reproducible and high-quality hematopoietic stem cells and proliferation and migration in relevant cells.
Qkine recombinant human IL-8 has a molecular weight of 8.9 kDa. This protein is animal origin-free, carrier-free and tag-free to ensure its purity with exceptional lot-to-lot consistency.

Currency:
Product name | Catalog number | Pack size | Price | Price (USD) | Price (GBP) | Price (EUR) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Recombinant human IL-8 protein, 25 µg | QK119-0025 | 25 µg | (select above) | $ 210.00 | £ 115.00 | € 175.00 |
Recombinant human IL-8 protein, 50 µg | QK119-0050 | 50 µg | (select above) | $ 315.00 | £ 225.00 | € 263.00 |
Recombinant human IL-8 protein, 100 µg | QK119-0100 | 100 µg | (select above) | $ 500.00 | £ 375.00 | € 438.00 |
Recombinant human IL-8 protein, 500 µg | QK119-0500 | 500 µg | (select above) | $ 1,995.00 | £ 1,475.00 | € 1,723.00 |
Recombinant human IL-8 protein, 1000 µg | QK119-1000 | 1000 µg | (select above) | $ 3,100.00 | £ 2,300.00 | € 2,687.00 |
Note: prices shown do not include shipping and handling charges.
Qkine company name and logo are the property of Qkine Ltd. UK.
Alternative protein names
Species reactivity
- human
- species similarity:
- mouse - 80%
- bovine - 76%
- porcine -76%
Summary
- High purity human protein (Uniprot: P10145)
- 8.9 kDa (monomer)
- >98%, by SDS-PAGE quantitative densitometry
- Expressed in E. coli
- Animal origin-free (AOF) and carrier protein-free
- Manufactured in Qkine's Cambridge, UK laboratories
- Lyophilized from acetonitrile, TFA
- Resuspend in 10 mM HCl (Reconstitution solution A) at >50 µg/ml, add carrier protein if desired, prepare single-use aliquots and store frozen at -20 °C (short-term) or -80 °C (long-term)
Featured applications
- Differentiation into monocytic lineages
- Chemotaxis experiments
- Differentiation of osteoclasts
Bioactivity
Recombinant IL-8 activity was determined using an IL-8-responsive firefly luciferase reporter assay. Transfected HEK293T cells were treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of IL-8 for 3 hours. Firefly activity was measured and normalized to the control Renilla luciferase activity. Data from Qk119 lot #204742. EC50 = 49 ng/ml (5.44 nM).
Purity
Recombinant IL-8 migrates as a major band at approximately 11 kDa in reduced (R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions. No contaminating protein bands are present. The purified recombinant protein 3 µg was resolved using 15% w/v SDS-PAGE in reduced (+β-mercaptoethanol, R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions and stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250. Data from Qk119 lot #204742.
Further quality assays
- Mass spectrometry: single species with expected mass
- Recovery from stock vial: >95%
- Endotoxin: <0.005 EU/μg protein (below level of detection)
Protein background
Interleukin-8 (IL-8 or CXCL8) is a C-X-C motif family chemokine. IL-8 was originally identified through its chemotactic activity on neutrophil and named monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor (MDNCF) [1]. IL-8 is translated as 99 amino acid precursor before processing to the 72 amino acid biologically active form. In humans IL-8 has 2 receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, both G-protein coupled receptors [1, 4]. Binding of IL-8 to its receptors activates downstream pathways including Akt/PKB, MAPK, and PKC, regulating cell adhesion and migration.
IL-8 is an inflammatory cytokine produced by several cell types including fibroblasts, lung epithelial cells, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, T cells, neutrophils, mast cells, monocytes and macrophages [2, 4]. As well as its role in inflammation IL-8 has been shown to play a role in tumor growth and vascularization. In triple negative breast cancer, IL-8 expression is closely related to prognosis and is being investigated as a potential therapeutic target [3].
IL-8 also acts as a growth factor for human hematopoietic progenitors, promoting the growth and differentiation of cells of monocytic lineages including megakaryocytes, monocytes and macrophages [4]. Recombinant IL-8 has been shown to stimulate differentiation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells into osteoclasts [5].
Background references
- Matsushima K, Yang D and Oppenheim JJ, Interleukin-8: An evolving chemokine, Cytokine (2022). doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155828.
- Benakanakere M, Finoti L, Tanaka U et al. Investigation of the functional role of human Interleukin-8 gene haplotypes by CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing. Sci Rep 6 (2016). doi.org/10.1038/srep31180
- Deng F, Weng Y, Li X et al. Overexpression of IL-8 promotes cell migration via PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and EMT in triple-negative breast cancer, Pathology - Research and Practice (2020). doi.org/10.1016/j.prp.2020.152902.
- Corre I, Pineau D and Hermouet S. Interleukin-8: an autocrine/paracrine growth factor for human hematopoietic progenitors acting in synergy with colony stimulating factor-1 to promote monocyte-macrophage growth and differentiation. Exp Hematol. (1999). doi: 10.1016/s0301-472x(98)00032-0.
- Bendre MS, Montague DC, Peery T et al. Interleukin-8 stimulation of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption is a mechanism for the increased osteolysis of metastatic bone disease. Bone (2003). doi.org/10.1016/S8756-3282(03)00086-3.
FAQ
What is IL-8?
IL-8 is a proinflammatory cytokine which attracts neutrophils to the site of inflammation.
Where is IL-8 found?
IL-8 is a soluble protein found in serum. IL-8 is secreted by mononuclear macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, T lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. It is also secreted by tumor cells and promotes tumor migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
Is IL-8 a cytokine?
Yes IL-8 is a cytokine
What does the IL-8 gene do?
IL-8 is encoded by the CXCL8, IL-8 gene expression is induced by a wide variety of agents including cytokines, growth factors, bacterial and viral products and oxidants.
What does IL-8 bind to?
IL-8 has two receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2
What is the function of the IL-8 receptor?
Both IL-8 receptors are G protein coupled and cause an increase in cGMP and activate Akt/PKB, MAPK, and PKC, regulating cell adhesion and migration.
What is the IL-8 pathway?
IL-8 binding to CXCR1 and CXCR2 activates various downstream molecules, including G proteins, small GTPases (Ras, Rac, Rho), and kinases (PI3K, PLC, PKC, AKT). This activates cell adhesion, actin polymerization, membrane protrusion, and eventually cell migration.
How is IL-8 used in cell culture?
IL-8 can be used to differentiate pluripotent cells into monocytic lineages or osteoclasts. IL-8 can also be used in chemotaxis studies.