CLEC7A (Dectin-1) is a 33–43 kDa type II transmembrane C-type lectin receptor expressed primarily on myeloid cells (monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells) and some lymphocytes . It recognizes β-1,3-glucans found in fungal cell walls, triggering immune responses such as phagocytosis, cytokine production, and oxidative burst .
CLEC7A antibodies are pivotal in:
Flow Cytometry: Detecting surface CLEC7A on immune cells (e.g., human monocytes, dendritic cells) .
Neutralization Studies: Blocking β-glucan binding to study antifungal immunity .
Therapeutic Development: Targeting CLEC7A in autoimmune diseases and cancer immunotherapy .
Cell Type | Antibody Clone | Application | Source |
---|---|---|---|
Human monocytes | 259931 (Mouse IgG2b) | Surface staining | |
Mouse macrophages | 2F3 (Rat IgG2a) | Functional inhibition |
Fungal Defense: CLEC7A-deficient mice show increased susceptibility to Candida and Aspergillus infections .
Autoimmunity: Dysregulated CLEC7A signaling correlates with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease .
Cancer: CLEC7A+ macrophages promote antitumor responses in colorectal cancer models .
KEGG: ath:AT2G31082
STRING: 3702.AT2G31082.1
Given the specific requirements and the lack of direct information on "CLE7 Antibody" in the search results, I will create a hypothetical FAQ collection that aligns with academic research scenarios. This will focus on general antibody research methodologies and challenges, assuming "CLE7 Antibody" is a specific antibody used in research.
Q: How do you validate the specificity of an antibody like CLE7 in experimental settings? A: Validation involves using techniques such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA to confirm the antibody's specificity. It's crucial to include negative controls and compare results across different cell types or conditions to ensure the antibody targets the intended antigen specifically.
Q: What strategies can be employed to resolve contradictory data from different antibody-based assays? A: Contradictory data can arise from differences in assay conditions, antibody concentrations, or sample preparation. Strategies to resolve these include:
Standardization: Ensure all assays are performed under identical conditions.
Replication: Repeat experiments multiple times to confirm results.
Cross-validation: Use different detection methods (e.g., Western blot and immunofluorescence) to validate findings.
Q: How can an antibody like CLE7 be optimized for use in specific applications such as flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry? A: Optimization involves adjusting antibody concentrations, incubation times, and buffer conditions to achieve optimal staining or detection. For flow cytometry, titration experiments are crucial to find the optimal concentration that balances signal intensity and background noise. For immunohistochemistry, optimizing fixation and permeabilization steps can enhance signal quality.
Q: What methods can be used to minimize non-specific binding when using antibodies in research? A: Non-specific binding can be reduced by:
Blocking: Using blocking agents like BSA or milk to saturate non-specific binding sites.
Optimizing Antibody Concentration: Finding the lowest effective concentration to minimize background.
Using Controls: Including negative controls to assess background staining.
Q: How can antibody engineering techniques be applied to improve the performance of antibodies like CLE7? A: Techniques such as humanization, affinity maturation, and bispecific antibody design can enhance specificity, affinity, and stability. Humanization involves transferring critical regions from a non-human antibody onto a human framework to reduce immunogenicity while maintaining binding activity.
Q: What factors should be considered when assessing the manufacturability of engineered antibodies? A: Key factors include expression levels, aggregation propensity, solubility, and long-term stability. Optimizing these properties can involve modifying the antibody sequence or using different expression systems.
Q: How can cross-reactivity be assessed and minimized for antibodies used in research? A: Cross-reactivity can be evaluated by testing the antibody against a panel of related antigens. Minimization strategies include using specific blocking agents or optimizing assay conditions to favor specific binding.
Q: What are the best practices for storing and maintaining the stability of antibodies like CLE7? A: Antibodies should be stored at appropriate temperatures (e.g., -20°C for long-term storage) and handled gently to avoid aggregation. Freeze-thaw cycles should be minimized, and aliquoting can help maintain stability.
Q: What are common issues encountered with antibodies in research, and how can they be troubleshooted? A: Common issues include non-specific binding, low signal, and inconsistent results. Troubleshooting involves optimizing assay conditions, checking antibody specificity, and ensuring proper sample preparation.
Data Table Example:
Antibody | Application | Optimal Concentration | Incubation Time |
---|---|---|---|
CLE7 | Western Blot | 1:1000 | 1 hour |
CLE7 | Immunofluorescence | 1:500 | 30 minutes |