plxna4 Antibody

What is PLXNA4 Antibody?

PLXNA4 antibodies are immunoreagents designed to bind specifically to the PLXNA4 protein, a member of the plexin family. PLXNA4 functions as a receptor for semaphorins (e.g., SEMA3A, SEMA6A/B) and regulates processes such as axon guidance, T-cell migration, and endothelial barrier integrity . These antibodies are critical for:

• Detecting PLXNA4 expression in tissues (e.g., brain, immune cells) .

• Investigating PLXNA4’s role in cancer immunotherapy .

• Studying vascular permeability and inflammation .

Structure and Function of PLXNA4

PLXNA4 is a 212 kDa protein with distinct domains:

PLXNA4 is expressed in neurons, endothelial cells, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) . Its downregulation in endothelial cells increases vascular leakage and inflammation , while deletion in CTLs enhances tumor infiltration .

Research Applications of PLXNA4 Antibodies

PLXNA4 antibodies are validated for diverse applications:

Immune Regulation

• CTL Trafficking: PLXNA4-deficient CTLs show improved tumor infiltration due to enhanced Rac1 activation .

• Checkpoint Role: PLXNA4 acts as a negative regulator of T-cell responses, akin to immune checkpoints (e.g., PD-1) .

Vascular Biology

• Endothelial Barrier: PLXNA4 knockdown increases IL-6/ICAM-1 expression and disrupts VE-cadherin junctions, causing vascular leakage .

• Proliferation: PLXNA4 loss reduces endothelial proliferation via CDKN1A upregulation .

Clinical Relevance

• Melanoma Therapy: PLXNA4 levels in circulating CTLs correlate with anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 response .

Technical Considerations

• Validation: Antibodies are typically validated using knockout lysates or blocking peptides .

• Molecular Weight: Discrepancies exist (e.g., 190 vs. 213 kDa), potentially due to isoforms or glycosylation .

• Storage: Stable at -20°C; avoid freeze-thaw cycles .

Clinical and Therapeutic Implications

PLXNA4 is emerging as a therapeutic target:

• Combination Therapy: Adoptive transfer of Plxna4-deficient CTLs synergizes with anti-PD-1 in melanoma models .

• Biomarker Potential: PLXNA4 levels in circulating CTLs may predict immunotherapy response .