**Background of ACE Antibodies**
ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) is a key component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance by converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. ACE also degrades bradykinin, influencing vascular and inflammatory responses. Antibodies targeting ACE are critical tools in studying its physiological roles, pathological associations (e.g., hypertension, cardiovascular diseases), and therapeutic applications.
ACE antibodies are typically developed as monoclonal or polyclonal reagents, enabling the detection and quantification of ACE in tissues, serum, or cell cultures via techniques like ELISA, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Research highlights ACE's dual role in COVID-19: while ACE2 serves as the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE inhibitors may modulate disease outcomes. Additionally, ACE overexpression is observed in sarcoidosis, where serum ACE levels serve as a diagnostic biomarker.
Clinically, ACE antibody-based assays aid in diagnosing granulomatous diseases and monitoring therapeutic responses. In drug development, ACE antibodies help evaluate inhibitors (e.g., captopril) used to treat hypertension and heart failure. Recent studies also explore ACE's involvement in metabolic syndromes and cancer progression.
Overall, ACE antibodies are indispensable in both basic research and clinical practice, bridging mechanistic insights into RAS-related pathways and advancing diagnostic or therapeutic innovations. Commercial and custom ACE antibodies continue to support diverse biomedical applications.
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