**Background of SPN Antibody**
SPN (sialophorin), also known as CD43. is a heavily glycosylated transmembrane protein predominantly expressed on the surface of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells. It belongs to the sialomucin family, characterized by extensive O-linked glycosylation and a high content of sialic acid, which confers a strong negative charge. This charge contributes to its role in repelling cell-cell interactions, modulating immune responses, and regulating cell adhesion and migration.
SPN plays a dual role in immune regulation. It acts as both a physical barrier against undesired cellular interactions and a signaling molecule involved in T-cell activation, apoptosis, and cytokine production. Its cytoplasmic domain interacts with cytoskeletal proteins and signaling molecules, influencing intracellular pathways. Dysregulation of SPN expression has been linked to immunodeficiency, autoimmune diseases, and hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
SPN antibodies are essential tools in research and diagnostics. They enable the detection of SPN/CD43 in flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting, aiding in immune cell characterization and disease profiling. In clinical settings, SPN antibodies help diagnose lymphoproliferative disorders, as abnormal SPN expression often serves as a marker for malignant cell populations. Studies continue to explore SPN’s therapeutic potential, including targeting its immunosuppressive effects in cancer.
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