The TSPAN33 antibody is a research tool designed to detect and study the tetraspanin-33 (TSPAN33) protein, a member of the tetraspanin family. Tetraspanins are transmembrane proteins involved in organizing membrane microdomains, cell adhesion, motility, and signal transduction by interacting with other proteins like integrins and receptors. TSPAN33. specifically, is implicated in immune regulation and inflammatory responses. Studies suggest its role in modulating immune cell functions, such as T-cell activation and dendritic cell maturation, potentially influencing autoimmune diseases and cancer progression.
Antibodies against TSPAN33 are typically developed for applications like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, or immunofluorescence to map its expression patterns in tissues or cell lines. These antibodies help investigate TSPAN33's involvement in pathological processes, including tumor metastasis, immune evasion, or chronic inflammation. For example, elevated TSPAN33 levels have been observed in certain cancers, correlating with poor prognosis, making it a potential biomarker or therapeutic target.
Validation of TSPAN33 antibodies includes specificity checks via knockout cell lines or siRNA knockdown to minimize cross-reactivity with other tetraspanins. Commercial availability varies, with some antibodies targeting specific epitopes (e.g., extracellular loops or cytoplasmic domains). Research using these antibodies contributes to understanding how TSPAN33 interacts within tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs) to regulate signaling pathways, offering insights into novel therapeutic strategies for immune disorders or malignancies.