The eosinophil-derived neurotoxin 2 (EDN2), also known as ribonuclease A family member 3 (RNASE3), is a cytotoxic protein primarily secreted by activated eosinophils, a type of immune cell implicated in allergic responses and antiparasitic defense. Structurally, EDN2 belongs to the RNase A superfamily and shares homology with eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN/RNASE2), exhibiting ribonuclease activity that contributes to its pathogen-clearing and immunomodulatory functions. It is stored in eosinophil granules and released upon stimulation, playing roles in host defense, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. EDN2 has been linked to conditions such as asthma, allergic diseases, and helminth infections, where eosinophils are pathologically activated.
Antibodies targeting EDN2 are critical tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in both physiological and disease contexts. They enable detection of EDN2 in biological samples (e.g., serum, tissues) via techniques like ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. Such antibodies also aid in exploring EDN2’s dual role as a mediator of immune defense and a contributor to inflammatory tissue damage. Research using EDN2-specific antibodies has provided insights into eosinophil activation pathways and potential therapeutic strategies for eosinophil-driven disorders. Commercial EDN2 antibodies are typically developed in rabbits or mice, validated for specificity, and widely used in biomedical research to dissect eosinophil biology and related pathologies.