Human Splunc2 (Short palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone 2), also known as BPIFA1. is a secreted protein predominantly expressed in the respiratory tract, oral mucosa, and salivary glands. It belongs to the BPI fold-containing family, characterized by a conserved bactericidal/permeability-increasing (BPI) protein structural domain. Splunc2 is implicated in innate immunity, with proposed roles in antimicrobial defense, inflammation modulation, and maintenance of epithelial surface homeostasis. Studies suggest it interacts with pathogens, regulates lipid mediator production, and may influence airway surface liquid composition.
Anti-Splunc2 antibodies are immunological tools developed to detect, quantify, or inhibit this protein in research and diagnostic contexts. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against Splunc2 are typically generated using recombinant protein fragments or synthetic peptides as immunogens. These antibodies enable investigations into Splunc2's tissue distribution, secretion patterns, and interactions with microbial components or host receptors. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA to study Splunc2's involvement in respiratory diseases (e.g., COPD, chronic rhinosinusitis) and oral pathologies. Emerging research explores their potential therapeutic application in modulating airway inflammation or enhancing antimicrobial responses. Validation remains crucial due to Splunc2's structural similarities with other BPI-family proteins, requiring specificity testing across homologs.