Latent TGF-beta is secreted as a complex with LAP and TGF-beta. LAP and TGF-beta1 are synthesized as single propeptide precursors of 390 amino acids with an N-terminal signal peptide of 29 amino acids, a 249 amino acids pro-region (LAP), and a 112 amino acids C-terminal region (TGF-beta1).Both LAP and TGF-beta1 exist as homodimers in circulation, but the disulfide linked homodimers of LAP and TGF-beta1 remain non-covalently associated, forming the small latent TGF-beta1 complex (SLC, 100 kD). The large latent TGF- beta1 complex (LLC, 235 – 260 kD) contains a third component, the latent TGF-beta binding protein (LTBP), which is linked to LAP by a single disulfide bond. LTBP does not confer latency but promotes efficient secretion of the complex to extracellular sites.TGF-beta and LAP can be released (activated) by many factors, including enzymes and low or high pH. TGF-beta and LAP have multiple functions, such as regulating proliferation and differentiation of various cell types. Increased production and activation of latent TGF-beta have been linked to immune defects associated with malignancy and autoimmune disorders, to susceptibility to opportunistic infection, and to the fibrotic complications associated with chronic inflammatory conditions. Latent TGF-beta has been found to protect against glomerulonephritis. It is a surface marker of activated regulatory T cells. LEGEND MAX(TM) Mouse Latent TGF-beta ELISA kit is a Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) with a 96-well strip plate that is pre-coated with a capture antibody. This kit is specifically designed for the accurate quantitation of both small and large latent TGF-beta from cell culture supernatant, serum, plasma and other biological fluids. This kit is analytically validated with ready-to-use reagents.