**Background of SIGLEC7 Antibody**
SIGLEC7 (sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectin 7) is a transmembrane protein belonging to the SIGLEC family of immune-regulatory receptors, primarily expressed on natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. It contains an N-terminal V-set immunoglobulin (Ig) domain that recognizes sialylated glycans on target cells, followed by multiple C2-set Ig domains, a transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic tail with immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs). These motifs enable SIGLEC7 to transmit inhibitory signals, dampening immune cell activation upon ligand binding, thus playing a role in immune tolerance and homeostasis.
SIGLEC7 interacts with sialic acid-rich ligands on pathogens, tumor cells, or host tissues. Its engagement can suppress NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production, contributing to immune evasion in cancers or chronic infections. Dysregulated SIGLEC7 expression or function has been implicated in diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and viral infections.
Antibodies targeting SIGLEC7 are pivotal tools for studying its expression, ligand interactions, and signaling mechanisms. They are used in flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and functional assays to dissect its role in immune modulation. Therapeutic anti-SIGLEC7 antibodies are under exploration to either block inhibitory signals (enhancing anti-tumor immunity) or mimic ligand binding (suppressing hyperactive immune responses in autoimmune conditions). These antibodies vary in specificity, recognizing different epitopes or isoforms, and their applications depend on intended agonistic or antagonistic effects.
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