This product is an unconjugated, non-therapeutic recombinant analog of utomilumab, supplied for research use only. Utomilumab is a fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody that binds the co-stimulatory receptor 4-1BB (CD137, TNFRSF9) and acts as an agonist to enhance T-cell and NK-cell activation. This research-grade analog is built around the same target and is intended as a tool reagent, not as the clinical drug; it is not for human or veterinary use. Presented in an unconjugated format, it is well suited to in-vitro binding and receptor-engagement studies, as a positive or benchmarking control alongside other anti-4-1BB agents, in ADCC/agonism assay development, and in preclinical model work exploring co-stimulatory pathways. It is offered as low-endotoxin material (research grade less than 1 EU/mg, with an ultra-low option less than 0.5 EU/mg) and is available in bulk milligram-to-gram quantities to support screening, assay standardization, and scale-up. Lot-to-lot handling should follow standard recombinant antibody storage and reconstitution practice.
4-1BB (CD137, encoded by TNFRSF9; UniProt Q07011) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and functions as an inducible co-stimulatory receptor. It is expressed mainly on activated CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, activated NK cells, regulatory T cells, and some myeloid and dendritic cells. Its natural ligand, 4-1BBL (CD137L, TNFSF9), is found on antigen-presenting cells. Ligand or agonist engagement drives receptor trimerization and higher-order clustering, recruiting TRAF1 and TRAF2 and activating NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling. This delivers a co-stimulatory signal that promotes T-cell proliferation, survival, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity, and enhances mitochondrial activity in CD8+ T cells. Because 4-1BB amplifies antitumor and antiviral immune responses, it is a prominent target for agonist immunotherapeutics.