TPSAB1 (Tryptase Alpha/Beta 1) is a gene encoding a member of the tryptase serine protease family, predominantly expressed in mast cells. The enzyme it produces, β-tryptase, is stored in mast cell secretory granules and released upon activation, playing a critical role in inflammatory and immune responses. TPSAB1 antibodies are tools used to detect and quantify β-tryptase, aiding in research and diagnostics related to mast cell disorders.
Functionally, β-tryptase contributes to tissue remodeling, pathogen defense, and allergic reactions by cleaving extracellular matrix proteins and activating protease-activated receptors (PARs). Elevated β-tryptase levels are biomarkers for systemic mastocytosis, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and severe allergic reactions. TPSAB1 antibodies are employed in immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and flow cytometry to identify mast cell populations, assess degranulation, and differentiate between normal and pathological states. They also help distinguish β-tryptase from the less common α-isoform (encoded by TPSA2), which lacks enzymatic activity.
Notably, TPSAB1 gene duplication or gain-of-function mutations are linked to hereditary α-tryptasemia (HaT), a condition associated with multisystem symptoms. Research using these antibodies enhances understanding of mast cell biology and therapeutic targeting in allergies, asthma, and mastocytosis. Their specificity and reliability make them vital for both clinical diagnostics and mechanistic studies.