**Background of TXN Antibodies**
Thioredoxin (TXN), a small redox-active protein (~12 kDa), plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis by regulating thiol-disulfide balance via its conserved CXXC motif. It is involved in critical processes like DNA synthesis, antioxidant defense, apoptosis regulation, and immune response modulation. Dysregulation of TXN is linked to oxidative stress-related pathologies, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders.
TXN antibodies are immunological tools designed to detect, quantify, or inhibit TXN in experimental or clinical settings. In research, they help elucidate TXN's mechanistic roles in redox signaling, its interaction with partners (e.g., TXN reductase), and its impact on transcription factors like NF-κB. Clinically, TXN antibodies serve as biomarkers; elevated TXN levels in cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or autoantibodies against TXN in autoimmune conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) have diagnostic and prognostic relevance.
Therapeutic interest in TXN antibodies focuses on targeting TXN overexpression in tumors, where it promotes proliferation and chemoresistance. Inhibitory antibodies or TXN-targeted biologics are being explored to sensitize cancer cells to therapy. However, challenges remain in balancing specificity and off-target effects due to TXN's ubiquitous expression. Ongoing studies aim to refine antibody design for enhanced clinical utility.