Defb14 Antibody

Definition and Basic Characteristics

Defb14 antibody is a rabbit-derived polyclonal antibody targeting the mouse β-defensin 14 protein (Q7TNV9). Key features include:

• Target Protein: Defb14, a 6–8 kDa peptide with broad antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory roles .

• Synonyms: Beta-defensin 14, mBD-14, Defensin beta 14 .

• Species Reactivity: Exclusively validated for Mus musculus (mouse) .

• Applications: ELISA, Western blotting (WB) .

• Immunogen: Recombinant mouse Defb14 protein (amino acids 23–67) .

Commercial suppliers include Biomatik (Cat#CAC09400) and multiple Biocompare-listed vendors .

Applications in Research

Defb14 antibody enables precise detection of Defb14 in diverse biological contexts:

Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Studies

• Antimicrobial Activity: Defb14 exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), and fungi (Candida albicans) .

• Immunomodulation:

  • Proinflammatory: Recruits CCR6+ immune cells (e.g., dendritic cells, lymphocytes) to sites of inflammation .

  • Anti-inflammatory: Suppresses TNFα and IL-6 production in macrophages via TLR2/1 signaling .

Cancer Research

• Tumor Suppression: Continuous Defb14 infusion reduced Lewis lung carcinoma growth in mice by 40% (p < 0.05) .

• Tumor Promotion: Overexpression in fibrosarcoma cells increased angiogenesis via CXCL2/MIP-2 upregulation, enhancing tumor vascularization .

Table 2: Defb14 Antibody Applications in Cancer Studies

Immunogenicity and Cross-Reactivity

• Species Specificity: Exclusively mouse-reactive; no cross-reactivity with human β-defensins (e.g., hBD3) reported .

• Host Relevance: Rabbit origin minimizes background in murine models .

Antimicrobial Defense

Defb14 is critical for clearing pathogens in sterile sites (e.g., urine, airways) . Mice lacking Defb1 (a related β-defensin) show increased Staphylococcus colonization .

Autoimmune Disease

• Immunosuppression: Defb14 increases regulatory T-cell (Treg) proliferation and FoxP3 expression, reducing autoimmune encephalomyelitis severity .

• Diabetes: Defb14 promotes pancreatic β-cell survival and Treg-mediated immune tolerance in non-obese diabetic mice .

Mastitis and Infection

Defb14 levels correlate with mastitis severity in cattle, serving as a biomarker for acute vs. subclinical infections .

Challenges and Limitations

• Concentration-Dependent Effects: High Defb14 doses may harm normal cells, necessitating optimized dosing in therapeutic trials .

• Mechanistic Complexity: Dual roles in pro- and anti-inflammatory responses complicate therapeutic targeting .

• Limited Availability: Fewer commercial antibodies exist for Defb14 compared to other β-defensins (e.g., hBD3) .