The FDCSP (Follicular Dendritic Cell Secreted Protein) antibody is a tool used to study FDCSP, a protein predominantly expressed by follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), specialized stromal cells within lymphoid tissues. FDCs play a critical role in immune responses by organizing B-cell follicles and germinal centers, where they trap antigens, present immune complexes, and support B-cell maturation and antibody production. FDCSP, a secreted protein, is implicated in modulating FDC function and interactions with B cells. Its expression is tightly regulated, often induced by inflammatory signals like TNF-α or lymphotoxin-β.
Research on FDCSP has gained attention due to its potential involvement in immune-related pathologies. Dysregulation of FDCs or FDCSP has been linked to autoimmune diseases, lymphomas, and chronic inflammatory conditions. For instance, altered FDCSP expression may disrupt germinal center dynamics, contributing to aberrant immune activation or tolerance. The FDCSP antibody enables detection and localization of the protein in tissues, facilitating studies on its physiological roles and disease associations.
Commercial FDCSP antibodies are typically developed in animal hosts (e.g., rabbits, mice) using immunogenic peptide sequences. They are validated for techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. However, challenges remain in specificity and cross-reactivity, necessitating careful validation. Current research focuses on clarifying FDCSP's molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential, positioning it as a biomarker or target for immune disorders.