The IKBKG antibody is a crucial tool for studying the IKBKG protein, also known as NEMO (NF-κB Essential Modulator), a regulatory component of the NF-κB signaling pathway. IKBKG plays a pivotal role in immune response, inflammation, and cell survival by activating NF-κB transcription factors in response to stimuli like cytokines, pathogens, or stress. Mutations in the IKBKG gene are linked to severe immune disorders, including X-linked anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency (EDA-ID) and incontinentia pigmenti.
IKBKG antibodies are widely used in research to detect protein expression levels, localization, and post-translational modifications (e.g., ubiquitination) via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. They also facilitate studies on protein-protein interactions, particularly within the IKK complex (IKKα, IKKβ, and IKBKG), which phosphorylates inhibitors of NF-κB to trigger their degradation.
Commercially available IKBKG antibodies are typically developed in hosts like rabbits or mice, targeting specific epitopes (e.g., N-terminal or C-terminal regions). Validation steps, including knockout cell line controls, ensure specificity. Researchers rely on these antibodies to explore mechanisms underlying immune dysregulation, cancer progression (where NF-κB is often constitutively active), and potential therapeutic targets. Understanding IKBKG's role through antibody-based assays continues to advance insights into inflammatory diseases, immunodeficiency syndromes, and NF-κB-related pathologies.