The EPHA2 antibody targets the Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EPHA2), a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. EPHA2 plays critical roles in cell-cell communication, tissue patterning, and cytoskeletal dynamics by binding to membrane-anchored ephrin-A ligands. Unlike most RTKs, EPHA2 can exhibit both ligand-dependent tumor-suppressive and ligand-independent oncogenic signaling, depending on cellular context. Overexpression or dysregulation of EPHA2 is implicated in cancer progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance, particularly in breast, lung, prostate, and glioblastoma. It also contributes to pathological angiogenesis, inflammation, and cataract formation.
EPHA2 antibodies are widely used in research for detecting protein _expression (via Western blot, immunohistochemistry) and studying signaling mechanisms. Therapeutically, they are explored as targeted agents to block oncogenic EPHA2 signaling, either alone or as antibody-drug conjugates. Some antibodies inhibit ligand-binding or receptor clustering, while others promote receptor internalization/degradation. Challenges include managing EPHA2's dual roles and minimizing off-target effects. Current preclinical studies focus on optimizing antibody specificity and combination therapies. Clinical applications remain experimental, with ongoing efforts to validate EPHA2 as a biomarker or therapeutic target in solid tumors and eye diseases.