**Background of Cytokeratin 6 Antibody**
Cytokeratin 6 (CK6) is a member of the cytokeratin family, which comprises intermediate filament proteins crucial for maintaining epithelial cell structure and integrity. CK6. classified as a type II cytokeratin, typically pairs with type I cytokeratins like CK16 or CK17 to form filamentous networks. It is predominantly expressed in stratified squamous epithelia, including skin, oral mucosa, esophagus, and hair follicles, as well as in certain glandular tissues.
CK6 is notably upregulated during hyperproliferative states, such as wound healing, inflammation, and pathological conditions like psoriasis or cancer. In research and diagnostics, CK6-specific antibodies are essential tools for detecting its expression patterns. These antibodies are widely used in immunohistochemistry (IHC) or immunofluorescence to identify epithelial cell differentiation, proliferation status, or disease-related alterations. For instance, elevated CK6 expression is observed in squamous cell carcinomas, breast cancer, and other malignancies, aiding in tumor subtyping and prognosis assessment. In dermatopathology, CK6 antibodies help distinguish hyperproliferative skin disorders from normal tissues.
Developed through immunization with CK6-derived antigens, these antibodies require validation for specificity via techniques like Western blotting or knockout controls. Their applications span basic research, clinical diagnostics, and therapeutic target exploration, underscoring CK6's role as a biomarker in epithelial biology and disease.