In Vivo Star Anti-Mouse CD137 (4-1BB) Antibody

Cat # Size Price Quantity
5105011 mg$160
5105025 mg$400
51050325 mg$1100

Product Details


CloneLOB12.3
ApplicationELISA, WB, Flow cytometry, IHC, ICC, animal model study
Host SpeciesCHO cells
ReactivityMouse
FormatLiquid
Target NameCD137, 4-1BB, ILA, TNFRSF9
Product DescriptionIn vivo Grade Recombinant Anti-mouse CD137 (TNFRSF9 or 4-1BB) Monoclonal Antibody
IsotypeRat IgG1 Kappa
Antibody TypeRecombinant
Regulatory StatusRUO
Purity>95% by reducing SDS-PAGE
Endotoxin< 1 EU per 1 mg of the protein by the LAL method.
Storage Conditions4ºC
GradeIn vivo
Recommended UsageThis product is suitable for in vivo animal use. Optimal amounts need to be determined empirically for each experiment.
RRIDAB_3739379
Research AreasActivated T cells, Activated NK cells, Activated Endothelial cells, Cancer Immunology, Autoimmunity, Inflammation, Co-stimulation
See All FormatsClone LOB12.3

Background Information


CD137, also known as 4-1BB or TNFRSF9, is a potent co-stimulatory receptor that plays an important role in regulating immune activation, particularly within T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. CD137 is not expressed on resting naïve T cells but is rapidly induced following antigen receptor engagement. It is expressed on activated CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, NK cells, dendritic cells, and other immune populations. Through its signaling, CD137 enhances immune cell expansion, survival, and effector function.

Structurally, CD137 is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein and a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily. Its extracellular domain contains multiple cysteine-rich motifs characteristic of TNFR family members that mediate ligand binding. CD137 has a single transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic tail that lacks intrinsic enzymatic activity but recruits TNF receptor–associated factors (TRAFs), particularly TRAF1 and TRAF2. These adaptor proteins activate downstream signaling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K–AKT, promoting cell survival and metabolic fitness.

The primary ligand for CD137 is CD137 ligand (CD137L, also known as 4-1BBL or TNFSF9), which is expressed on activated antigen-presenting cells including dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells, as well as on some non-hematopoietic cells in inflamed tissues. Engagement of CD137 by its ligand delivers a strong co-stimulatory signal that enhances T cell proliferation, increases production of effector cytokines such as interferon-γ, and supports the development of long-lived memory T cells. In NK cells, CD137 signaling augments cytotoxic activity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.

CD137 has been implicated in multiple disease contexts. In chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, excessive CD137 signaling may contribute to tissue damage by sustaining pathogenic immune responses. In cancer, however, insufficient CD137-mediated co-stimulation can limit effective anti-tumor immunity. CD137 is often upregulated on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, reflecting recent activation and providing a potential target for immunomodulation. Expression of CD137 on endothelial cells within tumors has also been linked to immune cell trafficking.

Therapeutically, CD137 is a major target in cancer immunotherapy. Agonistic antibodies targeting CD137 aim to boost T cell and NK cell activity and enhance anti-tumor responses, either alone or in combination with other immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors or tumor-targeting antibodies. While potent, CD137 agonists require careful dosing to avoid systemic toxicity. Beyond oncology, modulating CD137 signaling is also being explored in infectious and inflammatory disease models, underscoring its importance as a central regulator of immune activation.

Data Sheets


In Vivo Star Anti-Mouse CD137 (4-1BB) Antibody TDS

Related Protocols


Direct ELISA Protocol

Western Blot Protocol

Flow Cytometry Protocol

Related Products


Human 4-1BBL/TNFSF9 Protein (N-Fc)

Human 4-1BBL/TNFSF9 Protein (N-His)

Human CD137/4-1BB/TNFRSF9 Protein (C-His-Avi)

Biotin Human CD137/4-1BB/TNFRSF9 Protein (C-His-Avi)

Human CD137/4-1BB/TNFRSF9 Protein (C-His)

PE Human CD137/4-1BB/TNFRSF9 Protein (C-His)

APC Human CD137/4-1BB/TNFRSF9 Protein (C-His)

Human CD137/4-1BB/TNFRSF9 Protein (C-Fc-Avi)

Frequently Asked Questions


What are In Vivo Star Biofunctional Antibodies?
In Vivo Star antibodies are premium-grade monoclonal antibodies purified and formulated specifically for use in animal studies. Each lot is manufactured under stringent quality controls to ensure the low endotoxin levels, high purity, and functional activity required for reliable in vivo results.

How are these antibodies different from standard research antibodies (e.g., for Western blot or flow cytometry)?
Standard research antibodies are optimized for in vitro detection assays and may contain preservatives, carrier proteins (like BSA), or higher endotoxin levels unsuitable for injection. In Vivo Star antibodies are formulated in injectable-grade, azide-free, low-endotoxin buffers and validated for functional bioactivity in living systems rather than just antigen binding.

What endotoxin and purity specifications do these antibodies meet?
All In Vivo Star antibodies are tested and certified to meet low-endotoxin thresholds (typically <1 EU/mg, lot-dependent) using the LAL (Limulus Amebocyte Lysate) assay, and are purified to ≥95% purity by SEC-HPLC or SDS-PAGE. Exact specifications are provided on the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for each lot.

Are these antibodies azide-free and carrier-free?
All In Vivo Star antibodies are formulated without sodium azide and without carrier proteins such as BSA or gelatin, since both can interfere with animal physiology or immune readouts during in vivo studies.

Do you provide isotype controls?
Matched isotype control antibodies (same host species, isotype, and formulation) are available upon request for most clones to support proper experimental controls.

How should In Vivo Star antibodies be stored and handled?
Store at 4°C for short-term use and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can reduce bioactivity; aliquoting is recommended for long-term storage per the product-specific storage instructions on the Certificate of Analysis. Always confirm storage conditions and expiration on the CoA that accompanies each lot, as these can vary slightly by antibody.

Have a product or application question? Consult our FAQs or contact us.