Thermo Fisher Scientific KLH Polyclonal Antibody

Applications and Tested Dilution

Product Specifications

Target Information

Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) is a large, heterogeneous glycosylated protein composed of subunits with molecular weights of 350,000–390,000, forming aggregates ranging from 4,500,000 to 13,000,000 Da. Each subunit contains two copper atoms that bind a single oxygen molecule, giving the protein a distinctive blue color when oxygenated. KLH is highly immunogenic yet safe for humans, making it valuable as a vaccine carrier protein.

This protein cannot be synthetically reproduced and is purified from Megathura crenulata (Keyhole Limpet). KLH is widely used as a carrier protein in research, biotechnology, and therapeutic applications to elicit immune responses against small molecules (haptens) such as peptides or drugs. Its large size, numerous epitopes, and abundance of lysine residues enable high hapten-to-carrier ratios, enhancing hapten-specific antibody production. Additionally, its phylogenetic distance from mammalian proteins reduces false positives in mammalian research models.

However, KLH can aggregate and precipitate, which may complicate conjugation and handling, though aggregated forms remain immunogenic.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Not for resale without express authorization.