ABM Reagents

<h2 data-section-id="pdko8n" data-start="0" data-end="50">What are recombinant proteins for cell culture?</h2>
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Recombinant proteins for cell culture are biologically active growth factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules produced using recombinant DNA technology to control specific cellular functions in vitro. Growth factors such as FGF (fibroblast growth factor), EGF (epidermal growth factor), and TGF-&beta; (transforming growth factor beta) regulate cell growth, proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Cytokines including IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 influence immune cell activation, expansion, and function. These proteins are widely used in serum-free and chemically defined media, stem cell and iPSC culture, immune cell expansion, organoid development, hybridoma production, and cell and gene therapy workflows where precise control over cellular signaling is required.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li>Includes cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and signaling proteins to support proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance of&nbsp;mammalian cells</li>
<li>Rat, human, and mouse recombinant proteins compatible with translational research models and diverse mammalian cell culture&nbsp;</li>
<li>Optimizing cell metabolic activity, signalling pathways, and experimental reproducibility in vitro using recombinant proteins&nbsp;</li>
<li>Suitable for organoid development, expansion of cells, activation of immune cells, neuronal studies, and protein expression workflow optimization.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 data-section-id="4x59d8" data-start="1050" data-end="1118">How to choose recombinant proteins, cytokines, and growth factors</h2>
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Quality grade: RUO vs. preclinical vs. GMP
Research-use-only (RUO) proteins are suitable for most academic and industrial research applications. Preclinical-grade proteins provide enhanced documentation and quality control for studies supporting clinical development. GMP-grade proteins are manufactured under controlled quality systems with complete traceability and lot-to-lot bioactivity verification, making them appropriate for cell therapy, gene therapy, and other regulated applications.
Expression system and post-translational modifications
The production system can significantly affect protein activity. HEK293 and other mammalian expression systems preserve native human post-translational modifications such as glycosylation and phosphorylation, which are often necessary for full biological function. Bacterial expression systems such as E. coli may offer lower cost and higher yields but cannot reproduce many of these modifications.
Carrier-free formulation
Carrier-free recombinant proteins are formulated without stabilizing proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA). This eliminates potential experimental interference from carrier proteins and supports serum-free, animal-component-free, and GMP-compatible workflows. Carrier-free formulations are especially important when studying sensitive signaling pathways or developing clinical manufacturing processes.
Endotoxin level and purity
Endotoxins can stimulate inflammatory responses and alter cell behavior, particularly in immune cell cultures. For T-cell expansion, stem cell culture, and other sensitive applications, low-endotoxin or endotoxin-free proteins with documented purity above 95% are preferred to ensure reproducible results.
Stability format: standard vs. thermostable
Standard recombinant proteins gradually lose activity during prolonged incubation at 37&deg;C. Thermostable variants, such as engineered FGF2 formulations, maintain biological activity for longer periods and reduce the need for frequent media supplementation. These products can improve workflow efficiency in stem cell maintenance and differentiation protocols.
Storage and reconstitution
Lyophilized recombinant proteins offer extended shelf life and are typically stored frozen until use. After reconstitution, proteins should be aliquoted into single-use portions whenever possible to minimize repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can reduce activity. Proper storage conditions vary by product and should follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
<h2 data-section-id="rxnuuy" data-start="3659" data-end="3704">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-section-id="1fljvas" data-start="4451" data-end="4476">Specifications context</h2>
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Modern recombinant cytokines and growth factors are available in a wide range of formats including carrier-free, low-endotoxin, animal-component-free, and GMP-grade formulations. Many GMP-grade cytokines such as IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 undergo lot-specific bioactivity testing using validated reference standards to ensure consistent biological performance. Mammalian-cell-expressed proteins are increasingly preferred for applications requiring native structure and maximum biological activity.
As of 2026, carrier-free, low-endotoxin recombinant proteins produced in mammalian expression systems have become the preferred choice for stem cell culture, immune cell expansion, organoid development, and advanced biomanufacturing workflows.
For basal media used alongside recombinant proteins, see Classic Media. For additional supplementation reagents, see Cell Culture Supplements &amp; Additives. Browse Mammalian Cell Culture for the broader category.
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the expert team</a> at MBP today and get optimized recombinant proteins for your lab.

Recombinant Proteins

MSDS

Growth Factor-eFlyer

Growth Factors and Cytokines-Brochure

Growth Factors and Cytokines-FAQ

Role of Growth Factors in Cell Differentiation-Poster

Recombinant Human 4-1BB Receptor (TNFRSF9)

The Recombinant Human 4-1BB Receptor (TNFRSF9) by Applied Biological Materials (ABM) is a tag-free, E. coli-expressed co-stimulatory TNF receptor at &gt;95% purity, for T cell activation, anti-tumor immunity, and checkpoint biology research. Available in 20 µg (Z101085) and 1.0 mg (Z101089).

Organism

Family

Aliases

Gene Symbol

Gene ID

Accession Number

Source

Species

Appearance

Molecular Weight

Endotoxin Level

Purity

Formulation

Function

Reconstitution

Storage

Usage

Manufacturer

Shipping Condition

Recombinant Human 4-1BB Receptor (TNFRSF9), 20 µg

Recombinant Human 4-1BB Receptor (TNFRSF9), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human 4-BBL (TNFSF9)

Recombinant Human 4-BBL/CD137L (Z102255) by ABM — 19.6 kDa E. coli-expressed TNFSF9, >95% pure, 4-1BB T-cell co-stimulatory ligand, <1.0 EU/µg. Order from MBP INC. Available in 20 µg (Z102255), 1.0 mg (Z102259).

Storage Condition

Recombinant Human 4-BBL (TNFSF9), 20 µg

Recombinant Human 4-BBL (TNFSF9), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human Activin A (INHBA)

The Recombinant Human Activin A (INHBA) by Applied Biological Materials (ABM) is a tag-free, E. coli-expressed TGF-β superfamily member at &gt;95% purity, for FSH regulation, stem cell differentiation, and tissue repair research. Available in 10 µg (Z101665) and 1.0 mg (Z101669).

Recombinant Human Activin A (INHBA), 10 µg

Recombinant Human Activin A (INHBA), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human Adiponectin (Acrp30)

The Recombinant Human Adiponectin (Acrp30) by ABM (Applied Biological Materials) is an adipokine that regulates glucose metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and insulin sensitivity. Available in 25 µg (Z102595) and 1.0 mg (Z102599).

Recombinant Human Adiponectin (Acrp30), 25 µg

Recombinant Human Adiponectin (Acrp30), 1.0 mg

Flyer

Brochure

Recombinant Human AIMP1

Recombinant Human AIMP1 is available in the following variants: Z100155, Z100159.Z100155 by ABM (Applied Biological Materials) is Recombinant Human AIMP1 (EMAP-II/SCYE1) — 18 kDa, tag-free, expressed in E. coli, &gt;95% purity by SDS-PAGE, lyophilized from PBS/NaCl pH 7.5, 20 µg/unit. Research use only.

Recombinant Human AIMP1, 20 µg

Recombinant Human AIMP1, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human AITRL (TNFSF18)

The Recombinant Human AITRL (TNFSF18) by Applied Biological Materials (ABM) is a tag-free, E. coli-expressed glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor ligand at &gt;95% purity, for Treg activation, immune tolerance, and co-stimulatory signaling research. Available in 30 µg (Z101725), 200 µg (Z101727), and 1.0 mg (Z101729).

Recombinant Human AITRL (TNFSF18), 30 µg

Recombinant Human AITRL (TNFSF18), 200 µg

Recombinant Human AITRL (TNFSF18), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human AREG

The Recombinant Human AREG by Applied Biological Materials (ABM) is a tag-free, E. coli-expressed Amphiregulin (EGF family ligand) at &gt;95% purity, for EGFR signaling, epithelial proliferation, and tissue homeostasis research. Available in 15 µg (Z101875) and 1.0 mg (Z101879).

Recombinant Human AREG, 15 µg

Recombinant Human AREG, 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human Artemin (ARTN)

The Recombinant Human Artemin (ARTN) by Applied Biological Materials (ABM) is a tag-free, E. coli-expressed GDNF family ligand at &gt;95% purity, for peripheral neuron survival, pain signaling, and GFRα3/RET receptor research. Available in 20 µg (Z102355) and 1.0 mg (Z102359).

Recombinant Human Artemin (ARTN), 20 µg

Recombinant Human Artemin (ARTN), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human BAFF-R (TNFRSF13C)

Recombinant Human BAFF-R (TNFRSF13C) is available in the following variants: Z100015, Z100017.Z100015 by ABM (Applied Biological Materials) is Recombinant Human BAFF-R (TNFRSF13C/CD268) — 9.0 kDa, tag-free, E. coli expression, &gt;95% purity by SDS-PAGE, lyophilized from PBS, 50 µg/unit. ED50 &lt;0.5 ng/mL on Raji cells. Research use only.

Aliases (Z100015)

Gene Symbol  (Z100015)

Gene ID (Z100015)

Accession Number (Z100015)

Functions

Recombinant Human BAFF-R (TNFRSF13C) (50 ug)

Recombinant Human BAFF-R (TNFRSF13C) (100 ug)

Growth Factors, Cytokines & Kinases-MSDS

Recombinant Human BCA-1 (CXCL13)

Recombinant Human BCA-1 / CXCL13 by Applied Biological Materials (ABM) is a 10 kDa chemokine expressed in E. coli, &gt;95% pure by SDS-PAGE, endotoxin &lt;1.0 EU/&micro;g, with ED50 &lt;20 ng/mL in a CXCR5 B cell chemotaxis assay. Lyophilized; research use only. Available as Z100075 (20 &micro;g) and Z100079 (1.0 mg).

Molecular Weight (kDa)

Recombinant Human BCA-1 (CXCL13), 20 µg

Recombinant Human BCA-1 (CXCL13), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human B-cell Activating Factor  (TNFSF13B)

The Recombinant Human B-cell Activating Factor (TNFSF13B / BAFF) by Applied Biological Materials (ABM) is a tag-free, E. coli-expressed TNF superfamily member at &gt;95% purity, for B cell survival, maturation, and autoimmune disease research. Available in 20 µg (Z100965), 100 µg (Z100967), and 1.0 mg (Z100969).

Recombinant Human B-cell Activating Factor  (TNFSF13B), 20 µg

Recombinant Human B-cell Activating Factor (TNFSF13B), 100 µg

Recombinant Human B-cell Activating Factor (TNFSF13B), 1.0 mg

Recombinant Human B-cell Maturation Protein  (TNFRSF17)

Recombinant Human BCMA (Z101445) by ABM. TNFRSF17/CD269, 6 kDa, >95% purity, E. coli. ED50 <0.05 ng/mL. Multiple myeloma target research, BAFF/APRIL binding, and B-cell biology. Available in 20 µg (Z101445), 100 µg (Z101447), 1.0 mg (Z101449).