The antibody recognizes epitopes within LMAN1’s carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD), which is critical for its mannose-binding activity . Validation data include:
Discrepancies in observed vs. predicted molecular weights (e.g., 55 kDa vs. 58 kDa) may arise from post-translational modifications .
Knockout controls (e.g., LMAN1-deficient HEK-293T cells) confirm specificity .
LMAN1 functions as a cargo receptor for coagulation factors V and VIII . Studies in Lman1-deficient mice show:
Dose-dependent secretion: Residual LMAN1 expression (7% of wild-type) correlates with partial ER retention of α1-antitrypsin (A1AT) .
Coagulation defects: Combined factor V/VIII deficiency in humans is linked to LMAN1 mutations .
LMAN1 binds house dust mite (HDM) allergens (e.g., Der p 1) via mannosylated residues . Key findings:
Cellular binding assays: Overexpression of LMAN1 increases HDM uptake in DC2.4 and THP-1 cells .
In vivo relevance: LMAN1 is expressed on lung dendritic cells (DCs) and airway epithelial cells (AECs) in mice .
Asthma: Reduced LMAN1 expression in DCs of asthmatic patients correlates with dysregulated NF-κB signaling .
Anticoagulation: Modulating LMAN1 could enhance factor V/VIII secretion .
LMAN1 (Lectin Mannose-binding 1) is a mannose-specific lectin that plays several important roles in cellular transport and immune function. It recognizes sugar residues of glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycosylphosphatidyl inositol anchors, and is involved in the sorting or recycling of proteins and lipids. The LMAN1-MCFD2 complex forms a specific cargo receptor for ER-to-Golgi transport of selected proteins . Recent research has revealed that LMAN1 also functions as a receptor for house dust mite (HDM) allergens, binding directly to allergen extracts and purified major HDM allergens such as Der p 1 . LMAN1 is expressed on the surface of dendritic cells and airway epithelial cells, suggesting its role in immune recognition and allergen sensing.
LMAN1 has a complex structure consisting of several distinct domains, each with specific functions:
N-terminal signal sequence
Carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD)
Helical or stalk domain
Transmembrane region
The carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) is particularly important as it is responsible for binding to house dust mite allergens, with the N156 residue within this domain being critical for calcium-dependent binding to mannosylated cargo . LMAN1 exists endogenously as homohexamers, which affects its binding properties and function .
HRP (Horseradish Peroxidase) conjugated LMAN1 antibodies offer direct detection capabilities without requiring secondary antibodies. The HRP enzyme catalyzes a reaction that produces a detectable signal when exposed to an appropriate substrate. This direct detection system can reduce background noise, decrease experimental time, and potentially increase sensitivity compared to unconjugated antibodies that require secondary antibody detection . The conjugation process maintains the LMAN1 antibody's specificity while adding functionality through the covalently attached HRP enzyme. When selecting between conjugated and unconjugated versions, researchers must consider factors such as signal amplification requirements, detection method compatibility, and potential steric hindrance effects of the HRP moiety on antigen binding.
For optimal western blot detection using LMAN1 antibody, the following protocol is recommended:
Antibody concentration: Use LMAN1 antibody at 1.25 μg/mL for detection .
Secondary antibody dilution: If using an unconjugated primary LMAN1 antibody, the HRP-conjugated secondary antibody should be diluted 1:50,000-100,000 .
Sample preparation: Lyse cells completely in RIPA buffer with protease inhibitors and heat samples at 95°C for 5 minutes in reducing buffer.
Electrophoresis conditions: Run samples on 10-12% SDS-PAGE gel at 100-120V.
Transfer parameters: Transfer to PVDF or nitrocellulose membrane at 100V for 60-90 minutes.
Blocking: Block membrane with 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature.
Antibody incubation: Incubate with primary antibody overnight at 4°C, followed by multiple TBST washes.
Detection: For HRP-conjugated LMAN1 antibody, proceed directly to enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) detection after washes.
The expected band for LMAN1 should appear at approximately 53 kDa, which corresponds to the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment 53 kDa protein .
LMAN1 antibodies can be effectively utilized in immunoprecipitation (IP) studies to investigate protein-protein interactions, particularly focusing on LMAN1's role in forming complexes with other proteins. Research has demonstrated successful applications in studying interactions between LMAN1 and adaptor proteins:
Co-immunoprecipitation protocol:
Lyse cells in non-denaturing lysis buffer (1% NP-40, 150mM NaCl, 50mM Tris pH 8.0, protease inhibitors)
Pre-clear lysate with protein A/G beads
Incubate with LMAN1 antibody (2-5μg) overnight at 4°C
Add protein A/G beads and incubate for 2-4 hours
Wash extensively with lysis buffer
Elute and analyze by western blot
Detection of protein interactions: This method has successfully revealed interactions between LMAN1 and FcRγ, confirming that HDM stimulation promotes binding of LMAN1 and FcRγ at around 60 minutes in control cells .
Signaling complex identification: IP studies have shown that LMAN1-FcRγ interactions coincide with the recruitment of SHP1, a known negative regulator of FcRγ and C-type lectin receptor (CLR)-mediated pathways .
The specificity of these interactions can be confirmed by performing reciprocal immunoprecipitation experiments, where immunoprecipitation of LMAN1 via its tag pulls down the interacting protein, and vice versa .
When designing flow cytometry experiments with LMAN1 antibodies, several critical factors must be considered to ensure valid and reproducible results:
Surface versus intracellular staining protocols:
For surface LMAN1: Use non-permeabilizing conditions and shorter incubation times
For total LMAN1: Include permeabilization step to detect intracellular pools
Antibody validation:
Confirm specificity using positive controls (cells known to express LMAN1) and negative controls (LMAN1 knockdown cells)
Verify detection using both HRP-conjugated and unconjugated formats with appropriate secondary antibodies
Multi-parameter analysis considerations:
Gating strategy for specific cell populations:
Sample preparation optimizations:
Fresh vs. fixed cells (fixation may affect epitope recognition)
Buffer composition (calcium concentration affects LMAN1 binding properties)
Antibody concentration titration to determine optimal signal-to-noise ratio
During analysis, researchers should note that LMAN1 expression varies significantly between cell types and disease states, with peripheral dendritic cells from asthmatic individuals showing reduced LMAN1 expression compared to healthy controls .
LMAN1 functions as a negative regulator of NF-κB signaling in response to allergens, particularly house dust mite (HDM) allergens. This regulatory relationship can be experimentally assessed through several methodological approaches:
Dual-luciferase reporter assay:
Western blot analysis of signaling components:
Mechanistic pathway analysis:
Experimental controls:
These findings suggest that LMAN1 functions as part of a regulatory feedback mechanism, potentially limiting inflammatory responses to allergens through recruitment of negative regulators like SHP1 to signaling complexes.
LMAN1 exhibits distinct cellular distribution patterns that can be visualized using immunofluorescence techniques. Proper immunofluorescence protocols reveal important insights into LMAN1's localization and functional domains:
Subcellular localization patterns:
Primary localization: ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) and early Golgi
Secondary localization: Cell surface (particularly in dendritic cells)
Confocal microscopy on unpermeabilized dendritic cells has shown colocalization between LMAN1 and HDM allergen Der p 1 at discrete regions on the cell surface
Protocol optimization for different localizations:
For ER/Golgi localization: Permeabilization with 0.1% Triton X-100
For surface localization: No permeabilization, staining of live cells at 4°C
Fixation: 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) for 15 minutes
Co-localization studies:
Cell-type specific distribution:
Dendritic cells: Both intracellular and surface expression
Airway epithelial cells: Predominantly surface expression (~80% of EpCAM+ cells)
T cells: Present on ~15% of recruited cells in allergen challenge models
B cells and neutrophils: Present on ~37% and ~42% respectively in BAL fluid after allergen challenge
These localization patterns provide insight into LMAN1's dual role as both an intracellular cargo receptor and a cell surface receptor for allergens, with potential implications for targeting allergic disease pathways.
The domain structure of LMAN1 critically influences its various functions, with specific domains mediating different aspects of its activity. Several experimental approaches can elucidate domain-specific contributions:
Domain-deletion mutant analysis:
Domain-specific binding assays:
Cell-based binding assays using LMAN1 constructs with various domain mutations
Purified domain protein interactions with ligands (HDM allergens, cargo proteins)
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to measure binding kinetics and affinity
Functional rescue experiments:
Expression of specific domains in LMAN1-deficient cells
Assessment of which domains can restore:
Cargo transport between ER and Golgi
HDM allergen binding
NF-κB signaling regulation
Structure-function relationship analysis:
The carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) mediates mannose-dependent binding
The N156 residue within the CRD is critical for calcium-dependent recognition
The helical domain contributes to oligomerization of LMAN1 into homohexamers
The short cytoplasmic domain (12 amino acids) lacks obvious signaling motifs but may interact with adaptor proteins like FcRγ
Understanding these domain-specific functions helps explain how LMAN1 can simultaneously act as a cargo receptor for ER-to-Golgi transport and as a cell surface receptor for allergens, with important implications for both normal cellular function and pathological conditions like allergic asthma.
Several factors can influence LMAN1 antibody specificity, and systematic assessment of cross-reactivity is essential for generating reliable research data:
Epitope location considerations:
Antibodies targeting different domains (CRD vs. helical vs. cytoplasmic) may exhibit different specificity profiles
Conformational changes in LMAN1 (calcium-dependent) can affect epitope accessibility
HRP conjugation may sterically hinder certain epitopes
Cross-reactivity assessment methods:
Western blot analysis using tissues from multiple species (human, mouse, rat, dog)
Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to identify all pulled-down proteins
Comparative staining in LMAN1 knockout/knockdown versus wildtype cells
Pre-absorption with recombinant LMAN1 protein to confirm specificity
Homology considerations:
LMAN1 shares sequence similarity with other lectins and mannose-binding proteins
Testing against related family members is crucial
Specific validation in each experimental system is recommended
Application-specific validation:
Species reactivity verification:
Robust validation across multiple applications ensures that experimental observations genuinely reflect LMAN1 biology rather than artifacts of cross-reactivity.
Proper reconstitution and storage of LMAN1 antibodies are critical for maintaining optimal activity and ensuring reproducible experimental results. Following these methodological guidelines can significantly improve antibody performance:
Reconstitution protocol:
For lyophilized antibody: Add 100 μL of distilled water to achieve a final concentration of 1 mg/mL
Allow complete dissolution at room temperature (15-20 minutes)
Avoid vigorous shaking or vortexing which can cause protein denaturation
The reconstitution buffer typically contains PBS with 2% sucrose as a stabilizer
Storage recommendations:
Stability enhancement strategies:
| Additive | Concentration | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| BSA | 1-5 mg/mL | Prevents adsorption to tubes |
| Glycerol | 30-50% | Prevents freezing at -20°C |
| Sodium azide | 0.02% | Prevents microbial growth |
| Trehalose | 5% | Stabilizes protein structure |
Activity monitoring approaches:
Perform regular activity tests using positive control samples
Compare signal intensity to previous lots or freshly reconstituted antibody
For HRP-conjugated antibodies, assess enzyme activity using standard TMB substrate
Troubleshooting reduced activity:
If activity decreases, verify pH stability (optimal range: 6.5-7.5)
Check for precipitates or turbidity which indicate protein aggregation
Consider using carrier proteins or stabilizers if repeated activity loss occurs
HRP conjugates are particularly sensitive to oxidizing agents and extreme pH
Following these guidelines ensures maximum retention of antibody activity and extends the useful life of valuable research reagents.
Implementing appropriate controls is essential when using LMAN1 antibodies to ensure data validity and reproducibility, particularly in complex experimental designs:
Primary antibody controls:
Isotype control: Matched concentration of non-specific immunoglobulin from same species
Absorbed control: Primary antibody pre-incubated with excess recombinant LMAN1
Concentration gradient: Titration to determine optimal antibody concentration
Genetic manipulation controls:
Application-specific controls:
Signal validation controls:
For HRP-conjugated antibodies: Substrate-only control to assess background
Hydrogen peroxide pre-treatment: Inactivates endogenous peroxidases
Secondary-only control: Detects non-specific binding of detection system
Physiological relevance controls:
These comprehensive controls ensure that experimental observations reflect authentic LMAN1 biology rather than technical artifacts or non-specific interactions, particularly important when investigating LMAN1's dual roles in cargo transport and allergen recognition.
LMAN1 expression undergoes significant changes in allergic conditions, particularly in asthma, with important implications for disease pathophysiology. Several methodological approaches can effectively assess these alterations:
Flow cytometric quantification:
Transcriptomic analysis approaches:
RNA-seq of sorted cell populations from control vs. allergen-challenged lungs
Single-cell RNA sequencing to identify cell-specific expression changes
qRT-PCR validation of LMAN1 transcript levels in clinical samples
Protein quantification methods:
| Method | Sample Type | Measurement Parameter |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | Tissue/cell lysates | Total LMAN1 protein levels |
| Flow Cytometry | Single cell suspensions | Cell-specific expression |
| Mass Spectrometry | Bronchoalveolar lavage | LMAN1 protein abundance |
| ELISA | Serum/plasma | Soluble LMAN1 fragments |
Animal model validation:
Clinical correlation approaches:
Stratification of patients by asthma severity
Correlation with allergen-specific IgE levels
Longitudinal monitoring during allergen challenge or immunotherapy
These methodologies provide complementary insights into how LMAN1 expression changes during allergic responses, with potential implications for biomarker development and therapeutic targeting. The consistent finding of reduced LMAN1 expression in asthmatic conditions suggests its role as a negative regulator of allergic inflammation.
The relationship between LMAN1 and house dust mite (HDM) allergen recognition represents a significant advance in understanding allergen sensing mechanisms. This interaction can be experimentally manipulated through several methodological approaches:
Direct binding assays:
Cellular binding experiments:
Structure-based manipulation approaches:
In vivo interaction assessment:
Signaling pathway manipulation:
These experimental approaches reveal LMAN1 as a critical receptor for allergen recognition with immunomodulatory functions. The ability to manipulate this interaction opens possibilities for therapeutic interventions targeting allergic diseases at the recognition level rather than downstream inflammatory pathways.
Investigating LMAN1's therapeutic potential in allergic diseases requires strategic research approaches that build on its newly discovered role as an allergen receptor and immune modulator:
LMAN1 modulation strategies:
Recombinant LMAN1-Fc fusion proteins to competitively inhibit allergen binding
Small molecule enhancers of LMAN1 expression or stability
Peptide mimetics targeting the LMAN1-FcRγ-SHP1 signaling complex
Gene therapy approaches to restore LMAN1 levels in dendritic cells
Preclinical model testing framework:
HDM-induced asthma models in wild-type vs. LMAN1-deficient mice
Therapeutic intervention timepoints:
Preventive (before allergen exposure)
Early intervention (during sensitization)
Therapeutic (established disease)
Readouts: airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, IgE levels, cytokine production
Biomarker development pathway:
| Biomarker Type | Sample Source | Clinical Correlation |
|---|---|---|
| LMAN1 expression | Peripheral DCs | Disease severity |
| Soluble LMAN1 | Bronchoalveolar lavage | Local inflammation |
| LMAN1 polymorphisms | Genetic screening | Disease susceptibility |
| LMAN1-allergen complexes | Serum | Allergen exposure |
Translational research approaches:
Ex vivo testing using patient-derived cells
Comparison of LMAN1 expression before and after allergen immunotherapy
Correlation of LMAN1 expression with treatment response
Development of personalized medicine approaches based on LMAN1 status
Drug development considerations:
Target validation using conditional knockout models
Screening assays based on LMAN1-HDM binding inhibition
Safety assessment considering LMAN1's role in cargo transport
Delivery systems specifically targeting dendritic cells or airway epithelium
These research pathways could lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting the initial allergen recognition events rather than downstream inflammatory cascades. The reduced expression of LMAN1 in asthmatic patients suggests that restoring its levels or function might help reestablish immune homeostasis in allergic conditions . Such approaches would represent a paradigm shift from symptom management to addressing fundamental mechanisms of allergic disease.