Application

TLR3 recognizes double-stranded RNA and is a major effector of the immune response against viral pathogens. Polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (Poly(I) • Poly(C)) is a double-stranded homopolymer used as a model RNA to study cell signaling at the level of TLR3. Poly(IC) is a TRIF-dependent toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3) ligand.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Transfection of Poly (I:C) into NIT-1 cells has been used as a model of intracellular dsRNA-induced β cell apoptosis. Eighteen hours post transfection, 45% of the cells were apoptotic with an increase in NF-kB, p50/p65 nuclear translocation, and cleavage of caspases 3 and 8, as well as transcriptional induction of caspase 12, Fas, IL-15, and the TNF receptor-associated ligand (TRAIL). It has been suggested that Poly(I:C) is one of the most appropriate generators of stable mature dendritic cells (DC). These mature DC might generate in vivo effective immune responses after injection due to their ability to secrete bioactive IL-12 after CD40 ligation. Poly (I:C) was used as a potent adjuvant to enhance the specific anti-tumor immune responses against a peptide-based vaccine.

Other Notes

Double-stranded homopolymer.

Packaging

10, 50 mg in serum bottle

Preparation Note

The product requires ionic strength to maintain the double-strand structure. To prevent denaturation, reconstitute in solutions with physiological salt concentrations (e.g., saline solution). Reconstitution may require heating (50 °C) and cooling to achieve re-annealing.