Protocol to purify human and mouse cytokines using an endotoxin-free Escherichia coli-based platform

Here, we present a cost-effective protocol to purify four representative human and mouse cytokines using an endotoxin-free Escherichia coli (E. coli)-based platform. We describe steps for protein expression and maltose-binding protein (MBP) tag removal. We then detail procedures for immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) capture and fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) purification. This protocol is readily adaptable to other costly cytokines and growth factors, providing scalable and affordable approaches to accelerate research in cell biology, tissue engineering, and biomanufacturing.