The NPC1L1 (Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1) protein is a key player in dietary cholesterol absorption, primarily expressed in intestinal epithelial cells and hepatocytes. It facilitates cholesterol uptake by mediating its transport across the plasma membrane, making it a critical target for lipid-lowering therapies. NPC1L1 antibodies are tools developed to study the protein’s expression, localization, and function in cholesterol metabolism. These antibodies have been instrumental in validating the efficacy of drugs like ezetimibe, which inhibits NPC1L1 to reduce cholesterol absorption in treating hypercholesterolemia.
Research using NPC1L1 antibodies has revealed tissue-specific expression patterns, interactions with cholesterol transporters, and the protein’s role in metabolic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against NPC1L1 are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry to assess protein levels in experimental models, including genetically modified mice. Recent studies also explore NPC1L1’s potential involvement in viral entry pathways, broadening its relevance beyond lipid metabolism.
Despite their utility, antibody specificity remains a challenge, requiring careful validation via knockout controls. Ongoing efforts aim to refine these reagents for both basic research and clinical applications, such as biomarker development or targeted therapies for cholesterol-related disorders.