The 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B (HTR2B), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), binds serotonin (5-HT) and mediates various physiological processes, including mood regulation, cardiovascular function, and gastrointestinal activity. Primarily expressed in the central nervous system, heart, lungs, and gut, HTR2B activates intracellular signaling pathways (e.g., phospholipase C) upon ligand binding, influencing cell proliferation, neurotransmission, and vascular tone. Its aberrant activity is linked to pathologies such as pulmonary hypertension, cardiac valvulopathy (notably associated with fenfluramine-derived drugs), and neuropsychiatric disorders.
HTR2B-specific antibodies are essential tools for studying receptor localization, expression levels, and signaling mechanisms in research. They enable techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry to explore HTR2B's role in disease models or drug responses. Due to structural similarities among 5-HT receptor subtypes, antibody specificity is critical to avoid cross-reactivity. Recent studies also highlight HTR2B's potential as a therapeutic target, driving demand for validated antibodies in preclinical drug development. However, limited commercial availability and variable validation standards pose challenges, emphasizing the need for rigorous antibody characterization in experimental workflows.