Creatine kinase B-type (CK-BB) is an enzyme belonging to the creatine kinase family, which plays a critical role in cellular energy metabolism by catalyzing the reversible transfer of phosphate groups between creatine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The CK-BB isoform is predominantly expressed in brain tissue, smooth muscle, and certain tumors, distinguishing it from other isoforms like CK-MB (cardiac/skeletal muscle) and CK-MM (skeletal muscle). Antibodies targeting CK-BB are essential tools in biomedical research and diagnostics, particularly for studying neurological disorders, brain injury, and cancers where CK-BB overexpression is observed, such as small cell lung carcinoma or prostate cancer.
These antibodies are typically monoclonal or polyclonal, designed to recognize specific epitopes on the B-subunit of the enzyme. They enable detection and quantification of CK-BB through techniques like ELISA, Western blotting, or immunohistochemistry. In clinical settings, CK-BB antibodies aid in differentiating tissue-specific damage; for example, elevated CK-BB in cerebrospinal fluid may indicate acute brain injury or stroke. However, cross-reactivity with other isoforms remains a challenge, necessitating rigorous validation. Advances in antibody engineering, such as high-affinity recombinant antibodies, continue to enhance specificity and diagnostic accuracy, reinforcing CK-BB's role as a biomarker in both research and precision medicine.