**Background of ALCAM Antibodies**
ALCAM (Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule), also known as CD166. is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. It plays critical roles in cell-cell adhesion, immune response modulation, and cellular migration by mediating homophilic (ALCAM-ALCAM) and heterophilic (e.g., ALCAM-CD6) interactions. ALCAM is widely expressed in various tissues, including immune cells, endothelial cells, and epithelial cells, and is implicated in processes such as embryonic development, neuronal outgrowth, and cancer metastasis.
ALCAM antibodies are essential tools for studying its biological functions and pathological roles. In research, they are used to detect ALCAM expression in tissues or cell lines via techniques like immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. Dysregulated ALCAM expression has been linked to cancer progression, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, elevated ALCAM levels in tumors are associated with enhanced metastasis and poor prognosis, making it a potential biomarker and therapeutic target.
Therapeutic ALCAM-targeting antibodies are under exploration to block pathological interactions in cancer or autoimmune disorders. Additionally, diagnostic applications leverage ALCAM antibodies to identify disease-specific expression patterns. Challenges remain in understanding context-dependent roles, as ALCAM may exhibit both tumor-promoting and suppressive effects depending on the microenvironment. Ongoing research aims to clarify these mechanisms and advance translational applications.