Leukotriene B4 ELISA Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Leukotriene B4 commonly referred to as LTB4 is a bioactive lipid molecule with an approximate molecular mass of 279.45 g/mol. It is a part of the leukotriene family which are eicosanoids synthesized from arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway. LTB4 is primarily expressed by leukocytes such as neutrophils as well as macrophages and mast cells. Its production occurs mostly in response to inflammatory stimuli which makes it an important mediator in immune responses.

Biological function summary

LTB4 acts as a potent chemoattractant and activator of leukocytes mediating immune cell recruitment to sites of inflammation. It binds specifically to G-protein-coupled receptors BLT1 and BLT2 on the surface of target cells leading to activation and subsequent response. LTB4 is not part of a larger protein complex; instead it functions as a standalone signaling lipid. Through its interaction with BLT receptors it plays a role in amplifying inflammatory signals contributing to the body's defense mechanisms.

Pathways

LTB4 is deeply embedded in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway which includes the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase paths. This pathway is essential for the production of other eicosanoids involved in inflammation and immunity such as prostaglandins. LTB4 works alongside other leukotrienes in modulating the inflammatory response. It is closely related to proteins like 5-lipoxygenase which catalyzes the initial steps leading to its synthesis and also interacts with protein kinase pathways that mediate cellular responses.

Associated diseases and disorders

LTB4 has significant relevance in chronic inflammatory conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. In asthma it contributes to bronchoconstriction and leukocyte infiltration which worsen the disease symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis sees LTB4 facilitating the infiltration and activation of immune cells within joints thereby exacerbating inflammation and tissue damage. It connects to proteins like interleukin-8 (IL-8) in these contexts which further propagate inflammatory signals highlighting LTB4's critical role in the pathology of inflammatory diseases.