PBLD antibodies are primary research reagents designed to detect the PBLD protein in biological samples. PBLD itself is a 30–32 kDa protein (GenBank Accession: BC009738) implicated in tumor suppression and innate immunity. While primarily studied in cancer contexts, recent research highlights its role in activating interferon (IFN-I) responses during viral infections . Antibodies targeting PBLD enable precise quantification and localization of this protein in cells and tissues.
Proteintech 27891-1-AP: Detects PBLD in mouse liver and kidney lysates, with a primary band at 30–32 kDa .
Abcam ab235947: Validates PBLD expression in mouse liver and kidney lysates, showing a 32 kDa band .
Sigma-Aldrich HPA038036: Used for WB in human samples, with optimized dilutions for minimizing cross-reactivity .
Proteintech 27891-1-AP: Demonstrates PBLD localization in human kidney tissue, requiring antigen retrieval with TE buffer (pH 9.0) .
Abcam ab235947: Stains paraffin-embedded human kidney sections at 1:100 dilution, highlighting cytoplasmic or nuclear localization .
Sigma-Aldrich HPA038036: Validated for IHC in human tissues, with enhanced validation via orthogonal RNAseq data .
PBLD Antibodies show minimal cross-reactivity due to stringent affinity purification and antigen-specific design. For example, Proteintech’s antibody targets a unique fusion protein, while Abcam’s antibody uses a full-length recombinant fragment .
While PBLD antibodies are primarily used to study tumor suppression, recent studies highlight their utility in antiviral immunity:
Antiviral Response Validation:
Cancer Research:
PBLD (Phenazine biosynthesis-like domain-containing protein) is a protein primarily known for its tumor-suppressive functions, but recent findings have revealed its crucial role in antiviral immunity. PBLD enhances the expression of type I interferons (IFN-I) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) through multiple pathways, notably through interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and NF-κB signaling . This protein has demonstrated broad-spectrum antiviral activity against various RNA and DNA viruses, including vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), Sendai virus (SeV), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV3), and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) . The significance of PBLD in research lies in its potential as a therapeutic target for enhancing antiviral immunity and its role in connecting tumor suppression with immune function. When studying PBLD, researchers typically use specific antibodies to detect its expression, localization, and interactions with other proteins.
PBLD enhances antiviral immunity through at least two distinct molecular mechanisms:
IRF3 Pathway: PBLD upregulates IRF3 expression and promotes the activation of specific serine residues (S385/S386) of IRF3, thereby enhancing IFN-I responses . Additionally, PBLD facilitates IRF3-induced mitochondrial apoptosis by recruiting Puma to the mitochondria, which depends on IRF3 (K313/S315) .
NF-κB Pathway: PBLD activates the NF-κB signaling pathway during viral infection by blocking tripartite motif containing 21 (TRIM21)-mediated degradation of phosphorylated inhibitory kappa B kinase beta (IKKβ) . This mechanism further enhances IFN-I production and subsequent antiviral responses.
The functional importance of PBLD has been validated in multiple experimental models, including cell lines (MDBK, HeLa), primary cells (peritoneal macrophages, bone marrow-derived macrophages), and Pbld-deficient mice . Experimental evidence confirms that PBLD deficiency significantly reduces IFN-I and ISG expression upon viral stimulation, while PBLD overexpression boosts antiviral responses and reduces viral replication .
PBLD antibodies serve as essential tools in multiple research applications:
Western Blotting: Detecting PBLD protein expression levels in various cell and tissue types, especially when assessing changes during viral infection or after treatment with compounds like Cedrelone .
Immunoprecipitation (IP): Investigating protein-protein interactions between PBLD and components of signaling pathways, such as IRF3, TRIM21, and IKKβ .
Immunofluorescence (IF): Visualizing the subcellular localization of PBLD, particularly its translocation during viral infection or immune activation .
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP): Examining how PBLD might influence transcription factor binding to interferon-responsive gene promoters.
Flow Cytometry: Quantifying PBLD expression in specific cell populations during immune responses.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Analyzing PBLD expression patterns in tissue samples from experimental animals or clinical specimens.
When selecting PBLD antibodies for these applications, researchers should consider specificity, sensitivity, and validation status for the particular application and species of interest.
When designing experiments to investigate PBLD-mediated antiviral responses, researchers should consider a comprehensive approach incorporating multiple experimental systems:
Cell Culture Models:
Primary Cell Systems:
In Vivo Models:
Signaling Pathway Analysis:
Controls:
Researchers should monitor multiple readouts, including:
mRNA expression of IFNs and ISGs via RT-qPCR
Protein levels of IFNs and ISGs via Western blot and ELISA
Viral load via plaque assays, RT-qPCR, and Western blot for viral proteins
Cell death and apoptosis via TUNEL staining and flow cytometry
When performing immunoprecipitation studies with PBLD antibodies, several controls are critical to ensure data reliability and specificity:
Input Control:
Always include an aliquot of the pre-IP lysate to verify the presence of target proteins before immunoprecipitation
Negative Controls:
IgG Control: Use the same amount of isotype-matched IgG from the same species as the PBLD antibody
Bead-Only Control: Process sample with beads alone to identify proteins that bind non-specifically to the beads
Knockout/Knockdown Control: When available, include samples from PBLD-deficient cells to identify non-specific antibody binding
Reciprocal IP:
For protein-protein interaction studies, confirm interactions by performing reciprocal IP (e.g., if studying PBLD-IRF3 interaction, perform both anti-PBLD IP and anti-IRF3 IP)
Competitive Peptide Control:
Pre-incubate the PBLD antibody with excess PBLD peptide antigen before IP to verify binding specificity
Stimulus Controls:
Include both stimulated (e.g., virus-infected) and unstimulated conditions to assess interaction dynamics
Use time-course experiments to capture transient interactions that might occur during signaling events
Crosslinking Considerations:
When studying weak or transient interactions, include both crosslinked and non-crosslinked samples
Use membrane-permeable crosslinkers for capturing in vivo interactions
By implementing these controls, researchers can minimize the risk of misinterpreting non-specific interactions and validate the specificity of observed PBLD-protein interactions in their experimental system.
Validating PBLD antibody specificity is crucial for obtaining reliable experimental results. A comprehensive validation approach should include:
Genetic Validation:
Peptide Competition Assay:
Pre-incubate the antibody with purified PBLD protein or the immunizing peptide
Observe signal reduction in Western blot, immunofluorescence, or flow cytometry
Cross-technique Validation:
Compare PBLD detection across multiple techniques (Western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry)
Confirm that expression patterns are consistent across methods
Multiple Antibody Validation:
Use antibodies from different suppliers or those targeting different epitopes
Look for consistent detection patterns across antibodies
Recombinant Protein Controls:
Test antibody against purified recombinant PBLD protein (with and without tags)
Include gradient dilutions to assess sensitivity and linear range of detection
Species Cross-reactivity:
Application-specific Validation:
For Western blot: Check for single band at expected molecular weight (~34 kDa for human PBLD)
For IP: Confirm enrichment of PBLD in immunoprecipitated samples
For IF/IHC: Verify subcellular localization patterns match known distribution
Documentation of these validation steps should be maintained and included in publications to support the reliability of findings based on PBLD antibody usage.
For optimal detection of PBLD by Western blot, researchers should consider the following protocol recommendations:
Sample Preparation:
Lyse cells in RIPA buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors and phosphatase inhibitors (crucial for studying phosphorylation-dependent functions of PBLD)
Include 1mM DTT or β-mercaptoethanol to reduce disulfide bonds
Heat samples at 95°C for 5 minutes in Laemmli buffer
Gel Electrophoresis:
Transfer Conditions:
Transfer to PVDF membrane (preferred over nitrocellulose for higher protein binding capacity)
Use wet transfer at 100V for 1 hour or 30V overnight at 4°C for optimal transfer
Blocking:
Block with 5% non-fat dry milk in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
For phospho-specific detection, use 5% BSA in TBST instead of milk
Antibody Incubation:
Primary antibody: Incubate with anti-PBLD antibody (1:1000 dilution) overnight at 4°C
Secondary antibody: Use HRP-conjugated anti-species antibody (1:5000 dilution) for 1 hour at room temperature
Detection:
Use enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) substrate
For low abundance detection, consider using more sensitive ECL substrates or fluorescence-based detection systems
Stripping and Reprobing:
For multiple protein detection from the same membrane, use mild stripping buffer
Validate complete stripping before reprobing with another primary antibody
Special Considerations:
Following these optimized conditions should result in specific detection of PBLD with minimal background and non-specific binding.
Optimizing immunofluorescence staining for PBLD localization studies requires attention to several key parameters:
Fixation and Permeabilization:
Test multiple fixation methods:
4% paraformaldehyde (10-15 minutes) for general structure preservation
Methanol (-20°C, 10 minutes) for better access to some nuclear antigens
1:1 methanol:acetone for combined benefits
Permeabilization options:
0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in PBS (10 minutes) for general permeabilization
0.5% saponin for milder permeabilization that better preserves membranes
Digitonin (10-50 μg/ml) for selective plasma membrane permeabilization
Blocking:
Use 3-5% BSA or 5-10% normal serum (from secondary antibody host species) in PBS
Add 0.1% Triton X-100 to blocking buffer for maintained permeability
Block for 30-60 minutes at room temperature
Antibody Dilution and Incubation:
Primary anti-PBLD antibody: Start with 1:100-1:500 dilution
Incubate overnight at 4°C or 2-3 hours at room temperature
Secondary antibody: Use 1:500-1:1000 dilution, incubate for 1 hour at room temperature
Include DAPI (1:1000) for nuclear counterstaining
Multiplexing Strategies:
Mounting:
Use anti-fade mounting medium to prevent photobleaching
For super-resolution microscopy, use specialized mounting media with appropriate refractive index
Important Controls:
Specific Considerations for PBLD Studies:
To track PBLD during viral infection, use time-course experiments (2, 6, 12, 24 hours post-infection)
For mitochondrial co-localization studies (e.g., PBLD-Puma interaction), include MitoTracker staining
When examining nuclear translocation events, confocal microscopy with z-stack analysis is recommended
These optimized conditions will help researchers accurately visualize PBLD localization and its dynamic changes during viral infection or other stimuli.
Studying the interaction between PBLD and IRF3 signaling pathways requires a multi-faceted approach:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) Assays:
Immunoprecipitate PBLD and probe for IRF3 (and vice versa)
Include phospho-specific antibodies to detect interactions with phosphorylated IRF3 (p-IRF3 S385/S386)
Use crosslinking agents to stabilize transient interactions
Compare interactions before and after viral infection or stimulation with poly(I:C) or poly(dA:dT)
Proximity-based Interaction Assays:
Implement Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA) to visualize PBLD-IRF3 interactions in situ
Consider FRET/BRET approaches with fluorescently tagged proteins to monitor real-time interactions
Use split luciferase complementation assays to quantify interactions in living cells
Domain Mapping Studies:
Functional Assays:
Phosphorylation Studies:
Use phospho-specific antibodies to track IRF3 phosphorylation at S385/S386
Implement phosphatase inhibitors during protein extraction
Consider Phos-tag™ SDS-PAGE to separate phosphorylated from non-phosphorylated forms
Subcellular Localization:
Transcriptional Profiling:
RNA-seq analysis comparing wild-type and PBLD-deficient cells after viral infection
Focus on IRF3-dependent genes vs. NF-κB-dependent genes to dissect pathway-specific effects
Use pathway-specific inhibitors to delineate the contribution of IRF3 vs. NF-κB pathways
The combined data from these approaches will provide comprehensive insights into how PBLD enhances IRF3-mediated innate immunity and contributes to antiviral responses.
PBLD has been shown to facilitate virus-induced apoptosis, particularly through IRF3-induced mitochondrial apoptosis pathways . To comprehensively study this function, researchers can employ these techniques:
Cell Death Assays:
Annexin V/PI staining with flow cytometry to quantify early and late apoptotic cells
Caspase activity assays (particularly caspase-3, -8, and -9) using fluorogenic substrates
Live-cell imaging with caspase activation reporters to track apoptosis dynamics
Mitochondrial Function Assessment:
JC-1 or TMRE staining to measure mitochondrial membrane potential
Cytochrome c release assays to detect mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization
Measurement of mitochondrial ROS production using MitoSOX
Mitochondrial fragmentation analysis by live-cell imaging
Protein Interaction Studies:
Gene Expression Analysis:
RT-qPCR for apoptosis-related genes (particularly Puma and other BH3-only proteins)
Western blot for apoptotic markers (cleaved caspases, PARP cleavage, cytochrome c)
Transcriptome analysis comparing apoptotic gene signatures in PBLD-sufficient vs. deficient cells
Genetic Manipulation Approaches:
In Vivo Approaches:
Analyze tissue sections from virus-infected PBLD knockout mice for apoptotic markers
Compare viral loads and tissue damage in relation to apoptotic cell presence
TUNEL staining of tissue sections to quantify apoptosis in vivo
Rescue Experiments:
Pharmacological inhibition of apoptosis (pan-caspase inhibitors, specific caspase inhibitors)
Genetic complementation with wild-type vs. mutant PBLD in knockout backgrounds
Determine if apoptosis inhibition affects virus replication in the context of PBLD expression
These methodologies will help researchers elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which PBLD promotes virus-induced apoptosis and how this contributes to antiviral defense.
Differentiating between IRF3-dependent and NF-κB-dependent functions of PBLD requires experimental approaches that can specifically isolate and analyze each pathway:
Pathway-Specific Knockdown/Knockout:
Pharmacological Inhibitors:
Pathway-Specific Reporters:
ISRE-luciferase reporters for IRF3-dependent transcription
κB-luciferase reporters for NF-κB-dependent transcription
Measure reporter activity in PBLD-overexpressing vs. control cells with/without pathway inhibition
Gene Expression Analysis:
Classify ISGs as primarily IRF3-dependent vs. NF-κB-dependent
Perform RT-qPCR analysis focusing on genes specific to each pathway
Compare expression patterns in wild-type vs. pathway-deficient backgrounds
Phosphorylation Studies:
Nuclear Translocation Assays:
Immunofluorescence to visualize IRF3 and p65 nuclear translocation
Nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation followed by Western blot
Compare kinetics and magnitude of translocation for each factor
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP):
Perform ChIP for IRF3 and NF-κB p65 at promoters of interest
Compare binding patterns in PBLD-sufficient vs. deficient cells
Identify genes where PBLD specifically enhances either IRF3 or NF-κB binding
Protein Interaction Mapping:
Viral Infection Models with Pathway Biases:
Compare PBLD's effects on viruses that predominantly trigger either IRF3 or NF-κB
Use viral proteins known to specifically inhibit one pathway (e.g., NS1, ICP0)
Assess if PBLD can overcome pathway-specific viral evasion strategies
This systematic approach will help delineate the relative contributions of IRF3 and NF-κB pathways to PBLD's antiviral functions and may reveal pathway-specific therapeutic opportunities.
When faced with conflicting PBLD expression data across different detection methods, researchers should implement a systematic troubleshooting and analytical approach:
Technical Considerations:
Antibody Epitope Location: Different antibodies may target distinct epitopes that could be masked in certain contexts
Protein Modifications: Post-translational modifications might affect epitope accessibility or protein migration
Sample Preparation: Different lysis buffers or fixation methods may influence PBLD detection
Detection Sensitivity: Western blot, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry have different detection thresholds
Methodological Resolution Strategies:
Cross-validation with Multiple Antibodies: Use antibodies from different suppliers or targeting different epitopes
Genetic Controls: Include PBLD-knockout and overexpression samples as definitive references
Tagged PBLD: Use epitope-tagged PBLD (Flag, HA, etc.) and detect with tag-specific antibodies
Correlation Analysis: Perform correlation analysis between mRNA and protein levels to identify discrepancies
Biological Interpretation Framework:
Subcellular Localization: Consider if discrepancies reflect differences in detecting nuclear vs. cytoplasmic PBLD
Stimulus-Specific Effects: Viral infection might alter PBLD localization or epitope accessibility
Cell Type Differences: Compare detection consistency across cell types (e.g., HeLa vs. MDBK vs. MEFs)
Temporal Dynamics: Assess if time-course experiments reveal method-specific detection biases
Data Integration Approach:
Hierarchical Evidence Model: Prioritize data from genetic controls and tagged proteins over antibody-only detection
Functional Correlation: Correlate PBLD detection with downstream functional readouts (e.g., ISG expression)
Quantitative Assessment: Use densitometry or fluorescence intensity quantification for objective comparison
Multivariate Analysis: Consider multiple variables (cell type, stimulus, time point) that might explain discrepancies
Recommended Resolution Protocol:
Validate antibody specificity in knockout systems for each application
Perform side-by-side comparison of fixation/lysis conditions
Consider native vs. denaturing conditions in protein detection
Use orthogonal methods (e.g., mass spectrometry) for definitive protein identification
Reporting Recommendations:
Transparently report discrepancies in the methods section
Provide detailed protocols for each detection method
Include representative images and blots showing the variability
Discuss potential biological or technical explanations for discrepancies
By systematically addressing these aspects, researchers can better interpret conflicting PBLD detection results and develop a more accurate understanding of PBLD biology in their experimental systems.
Analyzing PBLD's impact on antiviral pathways requires robust statistical approaches to accurately interpret experimental data:
Implementing these statistical approaches will enhance the rigor and reproducibility of research on PBLD's role in antiviral pathways.
Developing a comprehensive model of PBLD function requires integrating diverse experimental data into a coherent framework:
Data Integration Framework:
Multi-omics Integration: Combine transcriptomics, proteomics, and functional data
Cross-species Validation: Compare PBLD function across human, mouse, and bovine systems
Multi-pathogen Analysis: Evaluate PBLD effects across RNA viruses (VSV, SeV, BPIV3) and DNA viruses (HSV-1)
Temporal Dynamics Mapping: Incorporate time-course data to develop dynamic models
Pathway Modeling Approaches:
Signaling Network Reconstruction: Map PBLD's position in IRF3 and NF-κB pathways
Boolean Network Models: Develop logic-based models of PBLD pathway interactions
Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) Models: Quantitatively model the dynamics of PBLD-mediated responses
Agent-Based Models: Simulate cell-to-cell variability in PBLD function
Experimental Validation Strategies:
Hypothesis Testing: Generate model-derived predictions and test experimentally
Perturbation Analysis: Systematically inhibit pathway components to validate model structure
Parameter Estimation: Use dose-response and time-course data to refine model parameters
Sensitivity Analysis: Identify key parameters that most strongly influence model outcomes
Mechanistic Model Components:
PBLD-IRF3 Module:
PBLD-NF-κB Module:
Integrated Antiviral Effector Module:
Combined effect of IRF3 and NF-κB on ISG expression
ISG-mediated inhibition of viral replication
Apoptosis-mediated elimination of infected cells
Visual Representation Tools:
Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN): For standardized pathway visualization
Cytoscape: For network visualization and analysis
MATLAB/R: For mathematical modeling and simulation
BioRender: For creating publication-quality pathway diagrams
Model Refinement Process:
Iterative Testing-Refinement Cycle: Update model based on new experimental findings
Literature Integration: Incorporate findings from related studies
Comparative Modeling: Contrast PBLD function with other antiviral regulators
Identification of Knowledge Gaps: Highlight areas requiring further investigation
Therapeutic Implication Analysis:
Target Identification: Identify potential intervention points based on the model
Drug Response Prediction: Predict how PBLD activators like Cedrelone might affect antiviral responses
Combination Strategy Design: Develop rational approaches for combining PBLD-targeting with other antivirals
Resistance Mechanism Anticipation: Model potential viral evasion strategies
By systematically developing and refining such a comprehensive model, researchers can gain deeper insights into PBLD's multifaceted roles in antiviral immunity and identify promising avenues for therapeutic intervention.