Claudin-4 is a transmembrane protein critical for maintaining epithelial and endothelial tight junctions. Antibodies against Claudin-4 (CLE4 antibodies) are primarily used to study its expression in cancer, inflammatory diseases, and barrier dysfunction . These antibodies enable detection of CLDN4 in tissues and cell lines, supporting research on its role in pathologies like metastatic cancers and autoimmune disorders .
CLDN4 overexpression is linked to ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Studies using CLE4 antibodies have demonstrated:
Prostate Cancer: Flow cytometry confirmed CLDN4 expression in PC-3 cell lines, correlating with metastatic potential .
Ovarian Cancer: High CLDN4 levels detected via IHC predict poor prognosis and chemoresistance .
While not directly targeting lupus, CLE4 antibodies have been used to explore epithelial barrier defects in conditions like psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease .
Selected commercial CLE4 antibodies include:
| Product Name | Supplier | Applications | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mab Mo x human CLDN4 | United States Biological | Flow cytometry | $699 |
| CLDN4 Recombinant [10F4] | Aviva Systems | ELISA, Flow cytometry | $389 |
| MAB4219 | R&D Systems | Flow cytometry, WB | Inquire |
Source: Biocompare , R&D Systems
Though CLE4 antibodies are primarily research tools, related therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (e.g., BIIB059 for lupus) highlight the broader potential of targeted biologics .
Emerging studies aim to engineer CLE4 antibodies for:
Here’s a structured collection of FAQs tailored for academic researchers working with CLEC4E (CLE4) antibodies, incorporating methodological guidance and evidence-based insights:
Advanced Strategy:
Context-dependent analysis:
Contradiction resolution workflow:
Methodological Framework:
Conduct titration assays across dilutions (1:50–1:800) using:
Advanced Tools:
Epitope mapping: Use DiscoTope-3.0 or SEPPA 3.0 to identify conformational epitopes on CLEC4E’s C-type lectin domain .
Structural alignment: Align antibody CDR regions (e.g., from hybridoma clones) against CLEC4E’s crystal structure (PDB 6X5M) using PyMOL .
| Clone | Epitope Location | Cross-Reactivity Risk | Recommended Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT16E3 | aa 180–195 | Low (71% mouse homology) | Flow cytometry, IF |
| PA5-52135 | C-terminus | Moderate (shared with CLEC4A) | WB, ELISA |
Experimental Design Considerations:
Timepoints: Sample at 0h, 24h, 72h post-stimulation (e.g., DAMPs like SAP130) .
Multiplex panels: Combine CLEC4E detection with:
Statistical power: Use G*Power v3.1 to calculate cohort size (α=0.05, β=0.2, effect size ≥1.5) .
Validation Protocol: