The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix/Per-Arnt-Sim (bHLH-PAS) family. It plays a critical role in mediating cellular responses to environmental toxins, such as dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, by regulating genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism (e.g., CYP1A1). Beyond its classical role in detoxification, AhR is increasingly recognized as a modulator of immune responses, cell differentiation, and homeostasis, interacting with pathways like NF-κB and STAT.
AhR antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and molecular interactions. They enable detection of AhR in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, aiding research into its activation mechanisms, nuclear translocation, and dimerization with partners like ARNT. These antibodies are widely used in toxicology, immunology, and cancer research, particularly given AhR's dual role in promoting or suppressing tumors depending on context.
Commercial AhR antibodies are often validated for specificity across species (human, mouse, rat) and applications. However, challenges remain due to AhR's structural complexity, splice variants, and cross-reactivity with related proteins. Recent studies also explore AhR's involvement in autoimmune diseases, gut immunity, and microbiome interactions, expanding the utility of these antibodies in translational research. Proper controls (e.g., knockout validation) are critical to ensure data reliability.