OVAL antibodies, commonly referring to antibodies targeting ovalbumin (OVA), are widely utilized in immunological research due to the protein’s role as a model antigen. Ovalbumin, a 45 kDa glycoprotein derived from chicken egg whites, is a well-characterized antigen often employed to study immune responses, hypersensitivity, and tolerance mechanisms. Its immunogenicity, stability, and ease of purification make it a standard tool in experimental immunology.
These antibodies are typically generated in host animals (e.g., rabbits, mice) through immunization with purified OVA. Polyclonal OVAL antibodies recognize multiple epitopes, while monoclonal variants target specific regions, enabling precise applications. They are instrumental in detecting OVA in assays like ELISA, Western blotting, or immunohistochemistry, and in tracking antigen-specific immune cells in flow cytometry.
In disease models, OVA is frequently used to induce allergic asthma or delayed-type hypersensitivity in mice. OVAL antibodies help quantify immune cell infiltration, cytokine profiles, or antigen uptake by dendritic cells, providing insights into adaptive immunity pathways. Additionally, OVA-antibody complexes are employed to study Fc receptor interactions or antigen presentation.
Commercial OVAL antibodies are widely available, often validated for specificity and cross-reactivity. Their utility spans basic research, vaccine development, and therapeutic studies, underscoring their foundational role in dissecting immune mechanisms.