Protein C antibody is a crucial tool in studying the anticoagulant protein C, a vitamin K-dependent serine protease synthesized primarily in the liver. Protein C plays a pivotal role in regulating blood coagulation and inflammation by inactivating factors Va and VIIIa, thereby limiting thrombus formation. Deficiencies in protein C, either hereditary or acquired, are linked to thrombotic disorders like deep vein thrombosis. Antibodies targeting protein C enable its detection, quantification, and functional analysis in clinical and research settings.
These antibodies are typically monoclonal or polyclonal, designed to recognize specific epitopes on protein C, such as its light chain, heavy chain, or activation peptide. They are widely used in immunoassays (ELISA, Western blot), immunohistochemistry, and functional assays to diagnose protein C deficiency, monitor anticoagulant therapy, or investigate its role in sepsis, cancer, or inflammatory diseases. Some antibodies distinguish between active/inactive forms or protein C precursors, aiding in mechanistic studies.
Challenges include ensuring specificity, as cross-reactivity with homologous proteins (e.g., protein S) may occur. Therapeutic applications, such as recombinant protein C for severe sepsis, have been explored, though clinical trials showed mixed outcomes. Today, protein C antibodies remain vital in thrombosis research and diagnostics, complementing modern anticoagulant therapies while deepening understanding of coagulation biology.