The CST1 antibody targets cystatin-SN (Cystatin 1), a member of the type 2 cystatin family, which regulates cysteine protease activity to maintain tissue homeostasis. Cystatin-SN is primarily expressed in salivary glands, respiratory tracts, and mucosal tissues, playing roles in inflammatory responses, immune modulation, and epithelial protection. Dysregulation of CST1 has been linked to diseases such as oral squamous cell carcinoma, allergic rhinitis, and asthma, where its overexpression correlates with pathological processes like inflammation or tumor progression.
CST1 antibodies are essential tools for detecting cystatin-SN expression in research and diagnostics. They enable studies on its biological functions, interaction networks, and disease associations via techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA. Recent studies also explore CST1 as a potential biomarker for early cancer detection or therapeutic targeting. For example, elevated CST1 levels in saliva or serum may indicate oral or gastrointestinal malignancies. However, its dual role in promoting or suppressing inflammation in different contexts requires further investigation.
Commercial CST1 antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice, validated for specificity and sensitivity. Ongoing research aims to refine their clinical utility, particularly in personalized medicine and biomarker-driven therapies.