CXCL17. a member of the CXC chemokine family, is a secreted protein primarily expressed in mucosal tissues, such as the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. It plays roles in immune regulation, angiogenesis, and leukocyte recruitment, particularly attracting dendritic cells and macrophages. CXCL17 is implicated in both homeostasis and disease, including cancer, chronic inflammation, and infections. Its overexpression in certain tumors correlates with immunosuppressive microenvironments and poor prognosis.
Antibodies targeting CXCL17 are critical tools for studying its expression, localization, and functional mechanisms. They enable detection via techniques like Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and ELISA, aiding research on its tissue-specific roles. Some antibodies neutralize CXCL17 activity, helping to dissect its interactions with receptors like GPR35 and its downstream signaling pathways. Commercial and custom antibodies are available for human, mouse, and rat homologs, often validated for specificity using knockout controls.
CXCL17 antibodies also hold therapeutic potential. Preclinical studies explore their use in blocking CXCL17-driven immune evasion in cancers or mitigating inflammation in diseases like asthma or colitis. However, challenges remain, including understanding CXCL17's dual pro- and anti-inflammatory roles and optimizing antibody specificity. Ongoing research aims to clarify its pleiotropic functions and validate CXCL17 as a biomarker or therapeutic target, highlighting the importance of reliable antibody tools in both basic and translational contexts.