Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC):
EFNB2 is significantly upregulated in HCC tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues (p = 0.0458). High EFNB2 expression correlates with poor prognosis and immune infiltration (e.g., macrophages, dendritic cells) .
Multiple Myeloma:
EFNB2 reverse signaling promotes tumor proliferation, survival, and chemotherapy resistance. Silencing EFNB2 in myeloma cells reduces engraftment in mice and enhances drug sensitivity (p < 0.05) .
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC):
EphB4 (EFNB2 receptor) knockdown in cancer cells increases metastasis by enhancing immunosuppressive Treg infiltration. Conversely, vascular ephrinB2 knockout reduces metastasis and improves anti-tumor immunity .
EFNB2 acts as a receptor for Nipah and Hendra viruses. Neutralizing antibodies targeting EFNB2-binding sites on viral glycoproteins block viral entry (IC₅₀ = 14.8 μg/mL for LN3E5) .
Western Blot: Validated in HT29 cell lysates, detecting a single band at ~37 kDa .
Immunofluorescence: Staining confirmed in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells .
No Cross-Reactivity: Does not recognize phosphorylated EFNB2 (e.g., phospho-Y316) .
EFNB2 (Ab-316) Antibody is a rabbit polyclonal antibody that specifically targets the region surrounding tyrosine 316 (Y316) of human Ephrin-B2 protein. The antibody recognizes the peptide sequence around amino acids 314-318 (P-V-Y-I-V) of Ephrin-B2. It is supplied at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL in phosphate buffered saline (without Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺), pH 7.4, 150mM NaCl, 0.02% sodium azide, and 50% glycerol. The antibody is purified via affinity chromatography using epitope-specific immunogen and has been validated for Western blotting applications with a recommended dilution range of 1:500-1:1000.
Ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) is a cell surface transmembrane ligand for Eph receptors, which comprise the largest subfamily of receptor protein-tyrosine kinases. EFNB2 is crucial for:
Mediating bidirectional signaling in cell-cell interactions
Regulating migration, repulsion, and adhesion during neuronal, vascular, and epithelial development
Heart morphogenesis and angiogenesis through regulation of cell adhesion and migration
Constraining the orientation of longitudinally projecting axons
Acting as a receptor for Hendra virus and Nipah virus
EFNB2 binds to multiple receptor tyrosine kinases including EPHA4, EPHA3, and EPHB4, leading to contact-dependent bidirectional signaling. The pathway downstream of the receptor is called forward signaling, while the pathway downstream of the ephrin ligand is referred to as reverse signaling.
The EFNB2 (Ab-316) Antibody has been validated for reactivity with human EFNB2 protein. Additionally, it reacts with mouse and rat EFNB2 due to sequence homology. The specific peptide sequence targeted by this antibody shows high conservation across these species, making it suitable for cross-species applications in mammalian research models.
The primary validated application for EFNB2 (Ab-316) Antibody is Western blotting (WB) with a recommended dilution of 1:500-1:1000. Some sources also indicate suitability for ELISA applications. The antibody detects endogenous levels of total Ephrin-B2 protein.
For Western blotting protocols:
Prepare cell/tissue lysates in an appropriate lysis buffer containing protease inhibitors
Separate proteins by SDS-PAGE (the predicted molecular weight of EFNB2 is approximately 37 kDa)
Transfer proteins to a PVDF or nitrocellulose membrane
Block the membrane with 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST
Incubate with EFNB2 (Ab-316) Antibody at a dilution of 1:500-1:1000 overnight at 4°C
Wash with TBST and incubate with appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary antibody
For optimal preservation of antibody activity:
Short-term storage (up to 6 months): Store at 4°C
Long-term storage: Store at -20°C
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as they may compromise antibody performance
After thawing for use, aliquot the antibody if frequent usage is anticipated to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Handle according to standard laboratory practices for antibody reagents, including using sterile technique when opening and pipetting
For rigorous experimental design with this antibody, include the following controls:
Positive control: Cell lines or tissues known to express EFNB2 (e.g., specific HCC cell lines like HCC-LM3, MHCC97-H, or SMMC 7721, which have been shown to express higher levels of EFNB2)
Negative control: Samples from EFNB2 knockout models or cell lines with low/no expression of EFNB2 (e.g., L-02 normal liver cell line can serve as a comparative control)
Loading control: Standard housekeeping proteins (β-actin, GAPDH, etc.) to normalize protein loading
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubation of the antibody with the immunizing peptide to confirm specificity
Secondary antibody-only control: To assess non-specific binding of the secondary antibody
EFNB2 has been implicated in various aspects of cancer progression. Researchers can use this antibody to:
Assess EFNB2 expression levels in different cancer cell lines and tumor tissues to correlate with clinical outcomes
Investigate the relationship between EFNB2 phosphorylation status at Y316 and cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis
Study the bidirectional signaling between EFNB2 and its receptors in the tumor microenvironment
Specifically, research has shown that EFNB2 expression is significantly higher in certain hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines (HCC-LM3, MHCC97-H, and SMMC 7721) compared to normal liver cell lines. EFNB2 also shows higher expression in cancer tissues compared to para-carcinoma tissues (p = 0.0458). The antibody can be used to explore these differential expression patterns in various cancer types and their correlation with tumor progression.
The phosphorylation of EFNB2 at tyrosine 316 (Y316) is crucial for its signaling functions:
Y316 is located in the intracellular domain of EFNB2 and is a key phosphorylation site involved in reverse signaling
Phosphorylation at this site occurs following Eph receptor binding and plays a role in signal transduction
The phosphorylated Y316 creates docking sites for SH2 domain-containing signaling proteins
Researchers can use this antibody to:
Monitor changes in Y316 phosphorylation status under different cellular conditions
Investigate how Y316 phosphorylation affects EFNB2's interaction with downstream signaling proteins
Study the impact of various stimuli (growth factors, hypoxia, etc.) on EFNB2 phosphorylation at this site
Examine the relationship between phosphorylation status and cellular responses like migration or adhesion
EFNB2 serves as a receptor for Hendra virus and Nipah virus, making it relevant for viral infection research. The antibody can be utilized to:
Assess EFNB2 expression levels in target cells susceptible to viral infection
Investigate whether Y316 phosphorylation affects viral binding or entry
Study changes in EFNB2 expression or phosphorylation status during viral infection
Develop blocking strategies by targeting the EFNB2 protein to prevent viral entry
Research has shown that EFNB2 surface expression can be measured via antibody staining, and the binding of viral G glycoprotein to EFNB2 can be assessed. When EFNB2 interaction was blocked by co-incubation with a representative Fc-fused Eph receptor (EphB2-Fc), it inhibited infection of EFNB2-expressing cells by competing with NiV-G pseudotyped viruses.
Several factors can influence antibody performance:
Sample preparation:
Complete lysis of cells/tissues is essential for accessing the EFNB2 protein
Use of appropriate protease and phosphatase inhibitors to prevent protein degradation and preserve phosphorylation status
Proper denaturation of the sample to expose the epitope
Blocking conditions:
Optimization of blocking buffer (BSA vs. non-fat milk) may be necessary
Insufficient blocking can lead to non-specific binding and background
Antibody concentration:
Using the recommended dilution range (1:500-1:1000)
Titration may be necessary for optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Incubation conditions:
Optimal incubation temperature and time
Sufficient washing steps to remove unbound antibody
Detection method:
Validation strategies include:
Peptide competition assay:
Pre-incubate the antibody with the immunizing peptide
Loss of signal indicates specificity for the target epitope
Genetic validation:
Use of EFNB2 knockout or knockdown models
Reduction or loss of signal confirms specificity
Comparison with other validated anti-EFNB2 antibodies:
Detection of the same band/pattern with antibodies targeting different epitopes
Mass spectrometry confirmation:
Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analysis
Confirms the identity of the detected protein
Recombinant protein controls:
While not explicitly validated for immunoprecipitation, researchers interested in using this antibody for IP can consider:
Starting conditions:
Use 1-5 μg of antibody per 200-500 μg of total protein
Prepare lysates in non-denaturing buffers to preserve protein conformation
Pre-clearing the lysate:
Incubate lysate with beads alone to reduce non-specific binding
Antibody-bead coupling:
Pre-couple the antibody to protein A/G beads before adding lysate
Alternatively, incubate antibody with lysate first, then add beads
Incubation conditions:
Overnight incubation at 4°C with gentle rotation
Avoid harsh washing conditions that might disrupt antibody-antigen binding
Elution and detection:
EFNB2 plays significant roles in immune cell function that can be investigated using this antibody:
T cell chemotaxis and migration in multiple sclerosis (MS):
EFNB1 and EFNB2 regulate T cell chemotaxis and migration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and MS
T cells with double deletion of EFNB1 and EFNB2 show reduced proliferation in response to MOG35-55 and defective Th1 and Th17 differentiation
These T cells are compromised in their ability to migrate into the CNS in vivo and towards multiple chemokines in vitro
Methodological approach:
Use the antibody to assess EFNB2 expression in different T cell subsets (Th1, Th17)
Correlate EFNB2 expression/phosphorylation with migratory capacity
Perform immunohistochemistry to detect EFNB2-expressing T cells in MS lesions
Study changes in EFNB2 phosphorylation status during T cell activation and migration
EFNB2 plays critical roles in angiogenesis that can be studied using this antibody:
Tumor angiogenesis:
EFNB2 expression in tumor cells and endothelial cells affects tumor vascularization
EFNB2 reverse signaling enables VEGF receptor endocytosis, essential for angiogenesis
High EFNB2 expression drives perivascular invasion of glioblastoma cancer stem cells
Research approaches:
Use the antibody to assess EFNB2 expression in tumor vasculature versus normal vasculature
Correlate EFNB2 expression/phosphorylation status with tumor vessel density and morphology
Investigate the relationship between EFNB2 expression and hypoxia-induced angiogenesis
Study the interplay between EFNB2 and other angiogenic factors like VEGF
Experimental models:
Recent research indicates EFNB2's role in the tumor immune microenvironment, which can be explored using this antibody:
EFNB2 in immune evasion:
EFNB2 expressed in cancer cells and vascular cells can support immune evasion
It increases immunosuppressive myeloid cells and decreases CD8+ T-cell activation in tumors
Inhibition of EFNB2-EphB receptor bidirectional signaling with EFNB2 antibodies can sensitize tumors to radiation therapy
Research strategies:
Assess EFNB2 expression in tumor samples from patients with different responses to immunotherapy
Correlate EFNB2 phosphorylation status with immune cell infiltration patterns
Investigate how modulating EFNB2 expression/activity affects response to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Experimental design:
Multiparameter flow cytometry to simultaneously analyze EFNB2 expression and immune cell populations
Spatial transcriptomics combined with immunohistochemistry to map EFNB2 expression relative to immune cell localization in tumor samples
In vivo models comparing immunotherapy efficacy in EFNB2-high versus EFNB2-low tumors
The interpretation of EFNB2 expression data requires consideration of several factors:
When analyzing expression data:
Consider cell type-specific expression (tumor cells vs. stromal/vascular cells)
Assess correlation with clinical parameters (stage, grade, survival)
Examine relationship with known molecular subtypes of the cancer
Evaluate expression in context of the tumor microenvironment
Several challenges exist when attempting to correlate EFNB2 phosphorylation with functional outcomes:
Technical challenges:
Phosphorylation events are often transient and can be lost during sample preparation
Multiple phosphorylation sites may be present, requiring site-specific antibodies
Quantification of phosphorylation levels requires careful normalization
Biological complexity:
Y316 phosphorylation may have different functional consequences depending on cell type and context
Both forward and reverse signaling occur simultaneously in physiological settings
Cross-talk with other signaling pathways may influence outcomes
Interpretation considerations:
Correlation doesn't necessarily indicate causation
Need for functional validation through mutation studies (Y316F phospho-null mutants)
Requirement for temporal analysis of phosphorylation events
Experimental approaches to address these challenges:
When analyzing EFNB2 expression data in relation to clinical outcomes, consider these statistical approaches:
Survival analysis:
Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests to compare survival between EFNB2-high and EFNB2-low groups
Cox proportional hazards regression for multivariate analysis, adjusting for confounding variables
Correlation analysis:
Spearman's rank correlation for non-parametric assessment of relationship between EFNB2 expression and continuous variables
Example: EFNB2 expression showed positive correlation with various immune cell populations (e.g., dendritic cells: Rho = 0.427, p = 9.29e-17)
Group comparisons:
t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests for comparing EFNB2 expression between two groups
ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis for comparisons across multiple groups
Example: EFNB2 expression was significantly higher in cancer tissues than in para-carcinoma tissues (p = 0.0458)
Predictive modeling:
Machine learning approaches to identify if EFNB2 expression/phosphorylation status contributes to predictive models of treatment response
Regularized regression methods (LASSO, ridge) for high-dimensional data
Multiple testing correction:
Single-cell approaches offer new opportunities for investigating EFNB2 biology:
Single-cell western blotting:
Detect EFNB2 expression and Y316 phosphorylation at the single-cell level
Reveal heterogeneity in EFNB2 signaling within tumor or tissue samples
Correlate with other signaling molecules at single-cell resolution
Mass cytometry (CyTOF):
Simultaneous detection of EFNB2, phosphorylation status, and multiple cellular markers
Identify rare cell populations with distinct EFNB2 signaling profiles
Example protocol: conjugate EFNB2 (Ab-316) Antibody to a metal isotope for use in CyTOF panels
Imaging mass cytometry:
Spatial mapping of EFNB2 expression and phosphorylation in tissue sections
Preserve tissue architecture while obtaining single-cell resolution data
Analyze EFNB2 in relation to the local microenvironment
Integration with single-cell RNA-seq:
This antibody could support therapeutic development in several ways:
Target validation:
Confirm EFNB2 expression and phosphorylation status in disease models
Correlate Y316 phosphorylation with disease progression or treatment response
Validate genetic knockdown results at the protein level
Mechanism of action studies:
Investigate how candidate therapeutics affect EFNB2 expression or phosphorylation
Monitor changes in downstream signaling pathways
Example: EphB2-Fc has been shown to compete with NiV-G pseudotyped viruses for EFNB2 binding sites
Patient stratification biomarker development:
Assess if EFNB2 expression/phosphorylation status predicts response to specific therapies
Develop immunohistochemistry protocols for potential clinical use
Example: In pancreatic cancer models, EFNB2 antibody treatment sensitized tumors to radiation therapy
Therapeutic antibody development:
Multiplex approaches enable comprehensive analysis of signaling networks:
Multiplexed western blotting:
Sequential or simultaneous detection of EFNB2, phospho-EFNB2, Eph receptors, and downstream signaling proteins
Use of different fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibodies
Appropriate antibody stripping and reincubation protocols
Reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA):
High-throughput analysis of EFNB2 expression across multiple samples
Inclusion in phospho-protein panels to assess activation of related pathways
Correlation with treatment responses or disease progression
Proximity ligation assays:
Detect protein-protein interactions involving EFNB2
Combine EFNB2 (Ab-316) Antibody with antibodies against known or putative interaction partners
Visualize and quantify interactions in situ with subcellular resolution
Bead-based multiplex assays:
Development of custom panels including EFNB2 phosphorylation
Simultaneous measurement of multiple cytokines and signaling molecules
Application to cell culture supernatants or tissue lysates
Design considerations: