**Background of IL-24 Antibodies**
Interleukin-24 (IL-24), a member of the IL-10 cytokine family, is a multifunctional protein with roles in immune regulation, inflammation, and tumor suppression. Initially identified as melanoma differentiation-associated antigen-7 (MDA-7), IL-24 is produced by immune cells (e.g., monocytes, T cells) and epithelial tissues. It signals through two heterodimeric receptor complexes: IL-20R1/IL-20R2 and IL-22R1/IL-20R2. activating JAK/STAT, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Notably, IL-24 induces selective apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing normal cells, making it a promising therapeutic target.
IL-24 antibodies are tools for detecting IL-24 expression or modulating its activity. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and polyclonal antibodies are used in research to study IL-24's role in diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infections. For example, anti-IL-24 mAbs help quantify IL-24 levels in tissues or serum via ELISA, Western blot, or immunohistochemistry, aiding in biomarker discovery. In therapeutic contexts, neutralizing antibodies may block IL-24's pro-inflammatory effects in autoimmune conditions, while agonist antibodies could enhance its anti-tumor activity.
Recent studies highlight IL-24's dual role—promoting apoptosis in tumors yet contributing to inflammatory pathologies. Antibodies targeting IL-24 thus hold potential for precision medicine, particularly in oncology. Challenges remain in optimizing specificity and delivery, but ongoing research underscores IL-24 antibodies as valuable for both mechanistic studies and clinical applications.