Ovalbumin (OVA) is a key reference protein in immunological research.
OVA (ovalbumin or albumin) is the most abundant protein in chicken egg whites. This ~45 kDa glycoprotein is sufficiently large and complex to be mildly immunogenic. Thus, it has been used as a common model antigen for experimental immunization and vaccination research.
OVA is a T cell-dependent antigen commonly used as a model protein for studying antigen-specific immune responses in mice. OVA epitopes have now been mapped for both B and T-cells. OVA is frequently used for inducing IgE-mediated food allergy and IgE-mediated airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). Additionally, OVA's allergenic properties are utilized in experimental atopic dermatitis (AD, eczema) models, where repeated application leads to dermal and epidermal thickening in exposed mice.
Depending on your research needs, you may choose from:
- EndoFit™ OVA protein: a high-quality OVA protein for in vivo use, guaranteed sterile with endotoxin level <1 EU/mg
- OVA protein (standard): suitable for in vitro use, such as biochemical studies (Western blots, ELISA, ELISPOT)
- OVA 257-264: H-2Kb-restricted OVA MHC class I epitope for CD8+ T cell stimulation
- OVA 323-339: I-Ad-restricted OVA MHC class II epitope for CD4+T cell stimulation
- pCpGfree-OVA: a plasmid designed for DNA immunization experiments in animal models