Neurofilament light chain (NEFL) antibodies are immunological tools targeting the NEFL protein, a critical component of neuronal cytoskeletons. NEFL, a member of the neurofilament family (alongside medium and heavy chains), is predominantly expressed in axons of neurons, where it supports structural integrity, regulates axonal caliber, and facilitates intracellular transport. As the smallest subunit (∼68 kDa), NEFL forms heteropolymers with other neurofilament proteins to maintain neuronal morphology and mechanical stability.
NEFL antibodies are widely employed in neuroscience research to study neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where axonal damage leads to elevated NEFL levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood. These antibodies enable detection of NEFL via techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, or ELISA, aiding in disease diagnosis, progression monitoring, and therapeutic evaluation.
Additionally, NEFL autoantibodies have been implicated in autoimmune neuropathies, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, where aberrant immune responses target neuronal components. Research also explores NEFL’s role in traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, positioning it as a biomarker for neuronal injury. Commercial NEFL antibodies are typically validated for specificity across species, supporting both preclinical and clinical investigations into neurological health and disease mechanisms.