Description
Flt3-Ligand is a growth factor that regulates proliferation of early hematopoietic cells. Flt3-Ligand binds to cells expressing the tyrosine kinase receptor Flt3. Flt3-Ligand, by itself does not stimulate proliferation of early hematopoietic cells, but synergizes with other CSFs and interleukins to induce growth and differentiation. Unlike SCF, Flt3-Ligand has no activity on mast cells. Multiple isoforms of Flt3-Ligand have been identified. The predominant biologically active form is anchored to the cell surface as the extracellular domain of a transmembrane protein (209 a.a.). The membrane-bound isoform can be proteolytically cleaved to generate a biologically active soluble isoform. Recombinant murine Flt3-Ligand is a soluble 18.6 kDa protein consisting of 163 amino acid residues