An antibody is a protein component of the immune system that circulates in the blood, recognizes foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses (known as antigens), and neutralizes them . Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are produced by B cells, a type of white blood cell . Each antibody molecule typically has a Y-shape, comprising two heavy chains and two light chains . The tips of the “Y” have a hypervariable region with a unique amino acid sequence that enables the antibody to bind to a specific antigen .
Diacylglycerol kinase delta (DGK-δ), also known as DGK7, is a widely expressed 140 kDa member of the DGK family of kinases that phosphorylate the lipid diacylglycerol . It contains a pleckstrin homology domain (aa 53-146), two zinc finger domains (aa 163-213 and aa 235-286), a catalytic domain (aa 317-451), and a sterile alpha motif (aa 1145‑1208) . An isoform of DGK-δ with a shortened N-terminus is expressed predominantly in ovary and spleen . The two isoforms can form intracellular homooligomers or heterooligomers with each other and are disrupted by PKC following phorbol ester stimulation . DGK-δ regulates PKC mediated signaling downstream of the EGF receptor . Human DGK-δ shares 82% amino acid sequence identity with mouse and rat DGK-δ within amino acids 570-717 .
DGK7 antibodies are useful in various scientific applications, mainly for detecting and studying the DGK-δ protein. Optimal dilutions should be determined by each laboratory for each application . General protocols are available in the technical information section of suppliers’ websites .
Western Blot: DGK7 antibody can be used in western blotting, a technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample . For example, a mouse anti-human DGK-δ monoclonal antibody can detect a specific band for DGK-δ at approximately 130 kDa in lysates of human cell lines such as TT (medullary thyroid cancer) and K562 (chronic myelogenous leukemia) .
Different antibody isotypes (also known as classes) exist in mammals, each with specific roles in the immune response :
IgG: The most common antibody, making up 70% to 75% of all immunoglobulins in the body. It protects against viral and bacterial infections and is found mainly in blood and tissue fluids .
IgM: Found in the blood and lymph system and acts as the first line of defense against infections. It also plays a large role in immune regulation .
IgA: Exists in two forms: IgA1 and IgA2. It is found in mucosal areas, such as the gut, respiratory tract, and saliva, and prevents colonization by pathogens .
IgE: Found mainly in the skin, lungs, and mucous membranes. IgE antibodies cause mast cells (a type of white blood cell) to release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream and can cause allergic reactions .
IgD: Found on the surface of B cells. While its exact function is unclear, experts think that IgD supports B cell maturation and activation .
Detection of Human DGK-δ by Western Blot: