ITLN2 (Intelectin-2) is a calcium-dependent lectin protein encoded by the ITLN2 gene, primarily expressed in the human intestine, adipose tissue, and placenta. It belongs to the intelectin family, which plays roles in innate immunity, pathogen recognition, and metabolic regulation. ITLN2 binds to carbohydrate moieties on microbial surfaces, such as galactofuranose in bacterial cell walls, suggesting its involvement in host defense against pathogens. Structurally, it forms trimers with fibrinogen-like domains, facilitating interactions with microbial glycans and endogenous ligands.
Research highlights ITLN2's dual role in immunity and metabolism. It is implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and type 2 diabetes, with altered expression levels observed in these conditions. For instance, ITLN2 may modulate adipose tissue inflammation and insulin sensitivity, linking metabolic dysfunction to immune responses. Its expression is regulated by cytokines (e.g., IL-13) and gut microbiota, emphasizing its connection to mucosal immunity.
ITLN2 antibodies are essential tools for detecting and quantifying the protein in research. They enable studies on its tissue distribution, functional mechanisms, and disease associations. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Some antibodies target specific epitopes within the fibrinogen-like or lectin domains, aiding in functional studies. Species-specific variants (human, mouse, rat) are available, with validation in recombinant proteins or knockout models to ensure specificity. Ongoing research leverages ITLN2 antibodies to explore its therapeutic potential in metabolic disorders and infections.