keyhole limpet hemocyanin

Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) is a large, multisubunit, oxygen-carrying metalloprotein derived from the marine mollusk *Megathura crenulata* (giant keyhole limpet). It is a highly immunogenic protein used primarily as an immune modulator and carrier protein in vaccine development and immunological research. KLH stimulates strong antigenic immune responses to haptens and weak antigens by acting as a carrier, making it valuable for generating antibodies in animals and humans. Clinically, it has been investigated as an adjuvant or component of vaccines for cancer immunotherapy—especially bladder carcinoma—and other conditions such as hepatitis C. Its mechanism involves enhancing both humoral and cellular immune responses without causing adverse reactions in humans[1][2][6][7][8].

Brand names

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Other names

keyhole-limpet hemocyaninKLHHemocyanin from Megathura crenulata