The CHRNB2 antibody targets the beta-2 subunit (β2) of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), ligand-gated ion channels critical for synaptic transmission in the central and peripheral nervous systems. These receptors are pentameric complexes composed of α and β subunits, with β2 playing a key role in receptor assembly and function. CHRNB2 is widely expressed in the brain, particularly in regions involved in cognition, reward, and motor control, and is implicated in modulating neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal excitability.
Antibodies against CHRNB2 are primarily utilized in research to study receptor localization, expression levels, and functional interactions in both physiological and pathological contexts. Dysregulation of β2-containing nAChRs has been linked to neurological disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and nicotine addiction. Additionally, autoantibodies targeting CHRNB2 have been identified in rare autoimmune conditions, such as autoimmune encephalitis, where they disrupt cholinergic signaling, leading to cognitive and motor deficits.
In cancer research, CHRNB2 antibodies help investigate the role of nAChRs in tumor progression, as these receptors are overexpressed in certain cancers (e.g., lung, breast) and may influence cell proliferation and metastasis. The development of CHRNB2-specific antibodies also holds therapeutic potential, enabling targeted modulation of nAChR activity in diseases involving cholinergic dysfunction. Their application in diagnostic assays and drug discovery continues to expand our understanding of nAChR biology and pathology.