The neurotensin receptor type 2 (NTSR2) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that binds neurotensin, a 13-amino-acid neuropeptide involved in modulating pain perception, dopamine signaling, and inflammatory responses. Unlike NTSR1. which has high affinity for neurotensin, NTSR2 exhibits lower ligand-binding affinity and distinct tissue distribution, primarily localizing to the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord, as well as peripheral tissues like the gastrointestinal tract and immune cells.
NTSR2 has gained attention for its potential roles in pathological conditions. Studies suggest its involvement in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s), chronic pain, and cancer progression. In oncology, NTSR2 is overexpressed in certain tumors, such as glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer, where it may promote cell proliferation, migration, and survival. This receptor has also been linked to neuroinflammation, interacting with microglia and astrocytes to regulate immune responses in CNS disorders.
NTSR2 antibodies are critical tools for investigating receptor expression, activation mechanisms, and downstream signaling pathways. They enable the detection of NTSR2 in tissues or cell lines via techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, or flow cytometry. Additionally, therapeutic NTSR2-targeting antibodies are being explored to modulate receptor activity in diseases, though challenges remain in achieving specificity and minimizing off-target effects due to structural similarities among GPCRs. Ongoing research aims to clarify NTSR2's precise biological functions and its viability as a diagnostic or therapeutic target.