Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are glycoproteins produced by the immune system to neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses . They are crucial in the body's defense mechanism and are also used extensively in medical research and diagnostics.
Antibodies consist of two heavy chains and two light chains, forming a Y-shaped structure. They bind to specific antigens through their variable regions, allowing them to target and neutralize pathogens .
Antibodies are widely used in research for various applications, including:
Western Blotting: To detect specific proteins in cell lysates.
Immunohistochemistry: To visualize proteins in tissue sections.
Flow Cytometry: To analyze cell surface markers.
For example, the Human LILRA5/CD85f Antibody is used to detect LILRA5/CD85f, a receptor involved in the innate immune response .
While there is no specific data on "LCR85 Antibody," research on other antibodies provides insights into their mechanisms and applications. For instance, the monoclonal antibody M28, engineered from 18.5C, shows potent neutralization activity against LCMV by preventing membrane fusion .
KEGG: ath:AT4G22210
UniGene: At.54470
LCR85 antibody (catalog BT2491916) is an immunoglobulin that recognizes the At4g22210 gene product, also known as T10I14.12 defensin-like protein. Antibodies are glycoproteins produced by the immune system to neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. In research applications, antibodies like LCR85 serve as critical tools for protein detection, localization, and functional analysis. The specificity of antibodies for their target antigens makes them invaluable in techniques such as Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry.
For optimal research outcomes, scientists should validate antibody specificity through multiple complementary techniques. This includes using positive and negative controls, validating with knockout models where available, and comparing results across different detection methods. When designing experiments with LCR85 antibody, researchers should consider factors such as expression levels of the target protein, potential cross-reactivity with similar proteins, and appropriate blocking strategies to minimize non-specific binding.
Proper handling and storage of antibodies is critical for maintaining their binding capacity and specificity. LCR85 antibody is shipped with ice packs, indicating requirements for cold chain maintenance. Based on standard immunoglobulin preservation protocols, researchers should adhere to the following practices:
Store the antibody according to manufacturer's recommendations, typically at -20°C for long-term storage or at 4°C for short-term use (1-2 weeks)
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles by aliquoting the antibody into single-use volumes upon receipt
When thawing, allow the antibody to equilibrate fully at 4°C before use
Maintain sterile conditions when handling to prevent microbial contamination
Add preservatives such as sodium azide (0.02%) if storing working dilutions
For validation of antibody activity after storage, researchers should periodically test binding efficiency using known positive samples. If diminished performance is observed, verification of protein concentration and consideration of a new antibody lot may be necessary.
When employing LCR85 antibody in immunofluorescence applications, researchers should follow these methodological guidelines to ensure optimal results:
Fixation optimization: Test multiple fixation methods (4% paraformaldehyde, methanol, or acetone) to determine which best preserves the epitope recognized by LCR85
Permeabilization calibration: If the epitope is intracellular, evaluate different permeabilization reagents (0.1-0.5% Triton X-100, 0.05-0.1% Saponin) and durations (5-15 minutes)
Blocking conditions: Employ stringent blocking (3-5% BSA or 5-10% serum from the species of the secondary antibody) for 1-2 hours at room temperature
Antibody dilution series: Perform a dilution series (1:100 to 1:2000) to determine optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Incubation parameters: Test both overnight incubation at 4°C and 1-3 hour incubation at room temperature
Controls implementation: Include appropriate negative controls (secondary antibody alone, isotype control) and positive controls where the target protein is known to be expressed
For defensin-like proteins such as the target of LCR85, researchers should be particularly attentive to subcellular localization patterns, as these proteins often exhibit tissue-specific expression and compartmentalization. Analyzing co-localization with established organelle markers can provide valuable functional insights.
Antibody validation is critical for ensuring experimental rigor. For LCR85 antibody, researchers should implement the following validation strategy:
Multi-technique confirmation: Verify target detection using complementary methods such as Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubate the antibody with excess purified antigen peptide to demonstrate signal reduction in the primary application
Genetic models: Test the antibody in systems where the target gene is knocked out, knocked down (siRNA), or overexpressed
Mass spectrometry validation: Identify proteins immunoprecipitated by the antibody using mass spectrometry to confirm target specificity
Cross-reactivity assessment: Test the antibody against closely related proteins, particularly other defensin-like proteins
A systematic validation approach should be documented with the following data table:
Validation Method | Expected Result | Alternative Interpretation if Failed |
---|---|---|
Western blot | Single band at predicted MW | Multiple bands may indicate cross-reactivity or protein processing |
Peptide competition | Signal reduction >80% | Incomplete blocking suggests non-specific binding |
Knockout/knockdown | Absence or reduction of signal | Persistent signal indicates off-target binding |
Overexpression | Increased signal intensity | Lack of signal increase may indicate epitope masking |
Mass spectrometry | Target protein as top hit | Multiple proteins suggest non-specific binding |
Defensin-like proteins frequently function through specific protein-protein interactions. To investigate these interactions using LCR85 antibody, researchers should consider these methodological approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP): Use LCR85 antibody to pull down the target protein complex, followed by Western blotting for suspected interaction partners. Optimize buffer conditions (salt concentration, detergent type and percentage) to preserve native protein interactions while minimizing non-specific binding.
Proximity ligation assay (PLA): Combine LCR85 antibody with antibodies against suspected interaction partners to visualize protein proximities (<40 nm) in situ. This technique requires:
Careful selection of antibody pairs from different host species
Optimization of fixation to preserve both epitopes
Thorough controls including single antibody and non-interacting protein pairs
Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC): While not directly using the antibody, this technique complements antibody-based approaches by confirming interactions in living cells.
FRET/FLIM analysis: When combined with fluorescently tagged interaction partners, LCR85 antibody can be used in fixed-cell FRET analysis to measure protein proximities with nanometer precision.
Results from these complementary approaches should be integrated to build interaction networks. For defensin-like proteins, pay particular attention to interactions with membrane proteins, signaling molecules, and components of immune response pathways.
Flow cytometry with LCR85 antibody requires specific optimization steps to generate reliable data:
Fixation and permeabilization: If the epitope is intracellular, compare different commercially available fix/perm kits to determine which provides optimal epitope accessibility while maintaining cellular integrity
Antibody titration: Perform a detailed titration (typically 0.1-10 μg/mL) to identify the concentration that provides maximum separation between positive and negative populations
Fluorophore selection: Consider the following factors:
Expression level of target (dim targets benefit from bright fluorophores like PE)
Autofluorescence in the sample (avoid FITC if cells have high green autofluorescence)
Other markers in panel (minimize spectral overlap)
Controls framework:
Fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls
Isotype controls matched to antibody class and fluorophore
Blocking controls to confirm specificity
Analysis gating strategy: Implement a hierarchical gating approach:
Exclude debris and doublets
Identify viable cells
Gate on cell populations of interest
Analyze target protein expression using appropriate statistics (median fluorescence intensity rather than mean)
For defensin-like proteins, researchers should be aware that expression may be modulated by cellular activation state and inflammatory stimuli. Therefore, time-course studies and activation experiments may reveal dynamic patterns not observed under basal conditions.
When working with antibodies targeting defensin-like proteins such as LCR85, researchers may encounter several technical challenges:
Low signal intensity: This may result from:
Low target protein expression
Epitope masking during fixation
Suboptimal antibody concentration
Solution: Try antigen retrieval methods, increase antibody concentration, extend incubation time, or use signal amplification systems such as tyramide signal amplification.
High background: Common causes include:
Insufficient blocking
Excessive antibody concentration
Non-specific binding
Solution: Increase blocking stringency (5% BSA, 10% serum), add 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 to blocking solution, optimize antibody dilution, and include 0.05-0.1% Tween-20 in wash buffers.
Inconsistent results between experiments: May be due to:
Lot-to-lot antibody variation
Inconsistent sample preparation
Variability in expression of target protein
Solution: Use consistent protocols, include positive controls in each experiment, purchase larger antibody lots for long-term studies, and standardize sample collection and processing.
Discrepancies between detection methods: If results differ between Western blot and immunohistochemistry, consider:
Conformation-dependent epitopes
Protein complex formation masking epitopes
Processing differences between applications
Solution: Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes, compare native and denaturing conditions, and validate findings with orthogonal methods.
Integrating antibody-based techniques with genomic approaches creates powerful research paradigms. For LCR85 antibody studies, consider these methodological combinations:
ChIP-seq applications: If the defensin-like protein has potential nuclear functions:
Optimize crosslinking conditions (1-4% formaldehyde, 5-15 minutes)
Sonication parameters must be empirically determined for target tissues
Include appropriate controls (input, IgG, known targets)
Validate findings with ChIP-qPCR before proceeding to sequencing
RIP-seq for RNA interactions: If the protein may bind RNA:
UV crosslinking (254 nm) typically provides greater specificity than formaldehyde
RNase treatment titration is critical to obtain appropriate fragment sizes
Include appropriate controls (input, IgG, known RNA-binding proteins)
Proteomics integration:
Use antibody for immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
Compare protein interaction networks under different conditions
Validate key interactions with reciprocal immunoprecipitation
Single-cell applications:
Combine antibody staining with single-cell RNA-seq to correlate protein expression with transcriptional profiles
Consider CITE-seq approaches if developing directly conjugated antibodies
When designing multi-omics experiments, researchers should carefully plan sample preparation to ensure compatibility across platforms. Statistical methods for integrating data from different techniques should be established before experimentation begins.
For quantitative applications with LCR85 antibody, researchers should implement these methodological best practices:
ELISA development:
Determine optimal coating concentration through checkerboard titration
Compare direct, indirect, and sandwich ELISA formats
Develop standard curves using recombinant protein or synthetic peptides
Validate assay parameters: limit of detection, dynamic range, precision, accuracy
Quantitative Western blotting:
Include loading controls appropriate for the experimental question
Use standard curves of recombinant protein for absolute quantification
Employ fluorescent secondary antibodies for greater dynamic range
Analyze bands using software with background subtraction capabilities
Quantitative immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence:
Include calibration standards in each experiment
Maintain consistent imaging parameters between samples
Analyze using automated algorithms to reduce bias
Report results as calibrated units rather than arbitrary fluorescence units
Multiplex assays:
Validate antibody performance in multiplex versus singleton assays
Control for potential cross-reactivity between detection systems
Include appropriate controls for each analyte
The following table outlines key assay validation parameters that should be reported:
Validation Parameter | Acceptance Criteria | Method of Determination |
---|---|---|
Specificity | Cross-reactivity <10% | Testing against related proteins |
Sensitivity (LOD) | Depends on application | Signal at 3 SD above background |
Precision (Intra-assay) | CV <15% | Replicate measurements within assay |
Precision (Inter-assay) | CV <20% | Measurements across multiple assays |
Accuracy | 80-120% recovery | Spike recovery experiments |
Linearity | R² >0.98 | Dilution series of samples |
Range | Spans expected concentrations | Determination of upper and lower limits |
Several cutting-edge technologies could significantly expand the research applications of LCR85 antibody:
Super-resolution microscopy: Techniques like STORM, PALM, and STED can reveal nanoscale distribution patterns of defensin-like proteins, potentially uncovering functional microdomains. Methodological considerations include:
Fluorophore selection (photoswitchable dyes for STORM/PALM)
Sample preparation to minimize background
Drift correction and localization precision
Intrabodies and nanobodies:
Development of recombinant antibody fragments derived from LCR85
Expression as intrabodies for live-cell tracking
Conjugation to fluorescent proteins for real-time visualization
Mass cytometry (CyTOF):
Metal-conjugated antibodies allow for highly multiplexed analysis
Elimination of spectral overlap concerns
Integration into high-dimensional phenotyping panels
Spatial transcriptomics integration:
Combining immunofluorescence with in situ RNA detection
Correlation of protein expression with local transcriptional environments
Organoid and tissue engineering applications:
Tracking defensin-like protein expression during tissue development
Monitoring responses to microbial challenges in organoid systems
Each of these approaches requires specific optimization of LCR85 antibody applications, including modification of fixation protocols, conjugation to appropriate labels, and validation in the specific experimental contexts.
Despite advances in antibody-based research techniques, several significant knowledge gaps remain in defensin-like protein biology that could be addressed using tools like LCR85 antibody:
Structure-function relationships:
How do post-translational modifications affect antimicrobial activity?
What structural features determine target specificity?
How does oligomerization state influence function?
Regulatory mechanisms:
What signaling pathways control expression in different tissues?
How is secretion regulated in response to different stimuli?
What feedback mechanisms exist to prevent excessive activation?
Non-canonical functions:
Do defensin-like proteins have intracellular functions beyond antimicrobial activity?
What role do they play in modulating adaptive immune responses?
How do they interact with the microbiome in different tissues?
Evolutionary conservation and divergence:
How conserved are functional domains across species?
Do orthologous proteins serve similar functions in different organisms?
What selective pressures have shaped defensin-like protein evolution?