Keyhole limpet hemocyanin: Molecular structure of a potent marine immunoactivator

Objectives: In this short review we present a survey of the available bioch emical and electron microscopic data on keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Re sults: The biosynthesis of KLH and its biological role are discussed and th e purification of the two isoforms of KLH (KLH1 and KLH2) presented in some detail. The determination of the molecular mass of KLH, its functional uni t structure, carbohydrate content, immunological analysis and aspects of th e molecular biology of KLH are all dealt with. Transmission electron micros copy (TEM) and crossed immunoelectrophoresis have played a significant part in the understanding of KLH structure, We present a summary of TEM studies on the native oligomers of KLH, the experimental manipulation of the diffe rent oligomeric states, immunological analysis and subunit reassociation. C onclusion: This fundamental structural information provides the scientific background upon which the understanding of the in vivo immunostimulatory fu nction of KLH can be based. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.