SPINK7 (Serine Peptidase Inhibitor Kazal Type 7) is a member of the SPINK family of protease inhibitors, primarily known for its role in regulating proteolytic activity to maintain tissue homeostasis. It is expressed in epithelial tissues, particularly in mucosal surfaces such as the esophagus, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. SPINK7 acts by inhibiting trypsin-like serine proteases, preventing excessive protease activity that could damage epithelial barriers or trigger inflammatory responses.
Research has linked SPINK7 dysfunction to several pathological conditions. For example, reduced SPINK7 expression is associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), where impaired protease inhibition contributes to mucosal inflammation and barrier disruption. Similarly, SPINK7 deficiency has been implicated in allergic diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders, likely due to dysregulated immune activation. In cancer, SPINK7 may act as a tumor suppressor; its downregulation or epigenetic silencing has been observed in esophageal adenocarcinoma and other malignancies, correlating with poor prognosis.
Antibodies targeting SPINK7 are valuable tools for studying its expression patterns, localization, and interactions in both healthy and diseased tissues. They enable detection of SPINK7 in clinical samples, aiding in diagnostic or prognostic assessments. Additionally, therapeutic antibodies modulating SPINK7 activity are being explored to restore protease-inhibitor balance in inflammatory conditions. Ongoing research continues to unravel its complex roles in epithelial biology, inflammation, and cancer, highlighting SPINK7 as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target.