The STAB1 antibody targets the protein stabilin-1. encoded by the *STAB1* gene, which is primarily expressed in immune cells, including tissue-resident macrophages and endothelial cells. Stabilin-1 is a large transmembrane receptor (∼300 kDa) involved in diverse biological processes, such as phagocytosis of cellular debris, cell adhesion, and immune regulation. Structurally, it contains multiple functional domains, including EGF-like repeats, fasciclin domains, and a hyaluronan-binding domain, enabling interactions with ligands like hyaluronic acid, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and apoptotic cells.
STAB1 antibodies are critical tools for studying the protein's role in physiological and pathological contexts. They are widely used in techniques like immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and Western blotting to localize and quantify stabilin-1 expression in tissues or cells. Research utilizing these antibodies has linked stabilin-1 to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), where it may promote tumor progression by modulating immune responses or facilitating extracellular matrix remodeling. Additionally, STAB1 antibodies help investigate its involvement in chronic inflammatory diseases, fibrosis, and atherosclerosis, often through mechanisms involving clearance of pro-inflammatory molecules.
The development of high-specificity STAB1 antibodies has advanced understanding of its dual roles in homeostasis and disease, making it a potential therapeutic target or biomarker in conditions like cancer and fibrosis. Validation of these antibodies remains essential to ensure reliability in detecting stabilin-1 across experimental models.