The SERPINB2 antibody, biotin conjugated is a polyclonal antibody raised against human SERPINB2, chemically linked to biotin. This conjugation enhances detection sensitivity in assays like ELISA, where biotin-streptavidin binding facilitates signal amplification . The antibody targets epitopes within the internal region (amino acids 261–310) of SERPINB2, a canonical 415-amino-acid protein with a molecular weight of ~47 kDa .
SERPINB2 is upregulated in HIV/SIV infections, particularly in monocytes and macrophages. In EcoHIV-infected mice, SERPINB2 deficiency reduced anti-gag IgG1 antibody titers and delayed viral clearance, suggesting its role in Th1/Th2 immune modulation .
In SIV-infected macaques, SERPINB2 mRNA and protein levels increased by 63% in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) within three weeks post-infection .
SERPINB2 expression in B cells correlates with resistance to TCDD (a dioxin)-induced immunosuppression. In DBA/1J mice, TCDD exposure elevated Serpinb2 mRNA and protein levels, which protected IgM-secreting B cells from suppression .
Time-course analyses showed that SERPINB2+/IgM+ cells increased significantly in TCDD-treated DBA/1J mice, unlike in C57BL/6J strains .
The table below contrasts commercially available SERPINB2 antibodies:
Enhanced Sensitivity: Biotin-streptavidin binding amplifies detection signals in ELISA, enabling low-abundance SERPINB2 quantification .
Versatility: Compatible with streptavidin-HRP or fluorophore conjugates for multiplex assays .
Stability: Biotinylation does not compromise antibody specificity or shelf life under recommended storage conditions .
SERPINB2 (Serpin Family B Member 2), also known as PAI-2 (Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-2), is a serine proteinase inhibitor belonging to the ovalbumin-like B clade of serpins. It was first discovered in the placenta and named PAI-2 due to its ability to inhibit urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) at low micromolar efficiency . SERPINB2 is produced by many cell types and exists in two forms: an unglycosylated 47 kDa intracellular protein and a glycosylated 60 kDa secreted form .
The protein is highly significant in research due to its multifunctional roles in:
Inflammation and immune responses, particularly in modulating Th1/Th2 balance
Cellular processes including survival, proliferation, and differentiation
Extracellular matrix remodeling during tissue development and repair
Cancer progression, with altered expression in various malignancies
Research significance has expanded as studies have revealed SERPINB2's role beyond simply inhibiting plasminogen activators, with current evidence suggesting functions in conditions ranging from pre-eclampsia and lupus to asthma and cancer .
Biotin-conjugated SERPINB2 antibodies offer several methodological advantages over unconjugated versions:
Enhanced detection sensitivity: The biotin-avidin/streptavidin system provides signal amplification through the high-affinity binding (Kd ≈ 10^-15 M) between biotin and avidin/streptavidin, enabling detection of low-abundance SERPINB2 in tissues or cells .
Versatile detection options: Biotin-conjugated antibodies can be paired with various labeled avidin/streptavidin conjugates (fluorescent, enzymatic, or gold nanoparticle-based), allowing flexibility in detection methods without requiring multiple specifically-labeled primary antibodies .
Reduced background in multi-labeling experiments: When performing co-localization studies with multiple antibodies, biotin-conjugated antibodies can help avoid cross-reactivity issues that might occur with directly-labeled primary antibodies .
Compatibility with amplification methods: Biotin-conjugated antibodies are particularly useful in experiments requiring signal enhancement, such as in tissues with low SERPINB2 expression or in fixed specimens where antigen retrieval may be suboptimal .
Stability: Biotin conjugation tends to maintain antibody stability better than some direct fluorophore conjugations, potentially extending shelf-life and consistent performance .
Validation of SERPINB2 antibody specificity across species involves several complementary approaches:
Sequence homology analysis: Immunogen sequences are compared across species to predict cross-reactivity. For SERPINB2, antibodies raised against human sequences may recognize mouse, rat, dog, cow, pig, and rabbit homologs due to conserved epitopes in the range of amino acids 131-230/415 .
Western blot validation: Species cross-reactivity is confirmed by detecting bands of appropriate molecular weight (approximately 47 kDa for non-glycosylated and 60 kDa for glycosylated forms). Positive controls from known SERPINB2-expressing tissues (placenta, monocytes/macrophages) are essential .
Knockout/knockdown controls: Antibody specificity is rigorously tested using samples from SERPINB2-knockout mice or cells with SERPINB2 knockdown. The absence of signal in these samples confirms specificity .
Recombinant protein controls: Purified recombinant SERPINB2 from different species can be used to evaluate antibody recognition patterns and potential cross-reactivity .
Immunohistochemical pattern analysis: Species-specific expression patterns in tissues known to express SERPINB2 (placenta, monocytes, dental tissues) are compared to literature-reported localization patterns .
A comprehensive validation approach is particularly important for SERPINB2 due to its membership in the serpin family, which contains many structurally similar proteins that could lead to cross-reactivity issues .
Optimal fixation and antigen retrieval for SERPINB2 immunohistochemistry requires careful consideration of the protein's dual localization (cytoplasmic and secreted) and potential masking of epitopes:
Fixation options:
Formalin fixation (4% paraformaldehyde, 24-48 hours) preserves tissue architecture but may mask SERPINB2 epitopes
Acetone or methanol fixation (10 minutes at -20°C) may better preserve antigenicity but with reduced structural preservation
A combination approach using 2% paraformaldehyde (10-15 minutes) followed by methanol permeabilization often provides a balance for detecting both cytoplasmic and secreted SERPINB2
Antigen retrieval methods:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) using citrate buffer (pH 6.0, 95-98°C for 20 minutes) has shown effective results for formalin-fixed tissues
For dental and skeletal tissues, EDTA buffer (pH 8.0) may provide better retrieval of SERPINB2 epitopes in mineralized matrices
Enzymatic retrieval using proteinase K should be avoided as it may destroy SERPINB2 epitopes
Special considerations:
When using biotin-conjugated antibodies, endogenous biotin blocking is essential (using avidin/biotin blocking kits) to prevent false-positive signals, particularly in tissues with high endogenous biotin like liver, kidney, and brain
For dual immunofluorescence, tyramide signal amplification systems can be used with biotin-conjugated SERPINB2 antibodies to allow multiplexing with other antibodies
Validation controls:
Effective use of biotin-conjugated SERPINB2 antibodies in flow cytometry requires specific protocol modifications:
Sample preparation protocol:
For intracellular SERPINB2: Fix cells with 2-4% paraformaldehyde (10 minutes), followed by permeabilization with 0.1-0.5% saponin or 0.1% Triton X-100 in PBS
For membrane-associated SERPINB2: Gentler fixation (1% paraformaldehyde) without permeabilization may detect the secreted form associated with cell surfaces
Cell concentration should be maintained at 1×10^6 cells/100 μL for optimal staining
Blocking and staining procedure:
Block cells with 5-10% normal serum (species different from antibody host) containing 0.1% saponin
For multi-color analysis, perform surface marker staining before fixation/permeabilization
Use biotin-conjugated SERPINB2 antibody at 1-5 μg/mL (titration recommended) for 30-60 minutes at 4°C
After washing, counter-stain with fluorochrome-conjugated streptavidin (e.g., streptavidin-PE, streptavidin-APC)
Include FcR blocking reagent to reduce non-specific binding, particularly in macrophages and monocytes which express high levels of SERPINB2
Controls and validation:
Special considerations:
When analyzing monocyte/macrophage populations, confirm SERPINB2 specificity as these cells have high autofluorescence
Consider using spectral flow cytometry for better separation of biotin-streptavidin signals from autofluorescence
For kinetic studies of SERPINB2 induction, parallel intracellular and secreted protein analysis may be informative
When utilizing biotin-conjugated SERPINB2 antibodies in ELISA assays, several methodological considerations optimize sensitivity and specificity:
ELISA formats for SERPINB2 detection:
Sandwich ELISA: Use unlabeled capture antibody (1-5 μg/mL) recognizing one epitope and biotin-conjugated detection antibody recognizing a different epitope
Direct ELISA: Coat plates with sample, then detect with biotin-conjugated SERPINB2 antibody
Competition ELISA: Particularly useful for detecting SERPINB2 in complex biological fluids
Optimized protocol parameters:
Coating buffer: Carbonate-bicarbonate buffer (pH 9.6) for capture antibody
Blocking solution: 2-5% BSA or 5% non-fat dry milk in PBS-T (PBS with 0.05% Tween-20)
Sample dilution: Use assay diluent containing 0.5-1% BSA to reduce matrix effects
Detection system: Streptavidin-HRP (1:5000-1:10000) followed by TMB substrate offers high sensitivity
Standard curve preparation: Use recombinant SERPINB2 (both glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms) for accurate quantification
SERPINB2-specific considerations:
Different antibody clones may preferentially detect either the 47 kDa (intracellular) or 60 kDa (secreted) forms
Include reducing agent (β-mercaptoethanol or DTT) in sample buffer to disrupt potential SERPINB2-protease complexes
In cell culture supernatants, measure both free and complex-bound SERPINB2
Validation and quality control:
Determine assay range (typically 50-5000 pg/mL for SERPINB2)
Assess recovery by spiking known amounts of recombinant SERPINB2 into sample matrix
Evaluate parallelism between standard curve and serially diluted samples
Include positive controls: placental extracts or stimulated monocyte culture supernatants
Data analysis recommendations:
Use 4 or 5-parameter logistic curve fitting for standard curve
For complex-bound SERPINB2, consider alternative calculation methods that account for molecular weight differences
Endogenous biotin interference is a significant concern when using biotin-conjugated antibodies, requiring systematic mitigation strategies:
Tissue-specific endogenous biotin considerations:
Effective blocking protocols:
Avidin-biotin blocking kit: Apply unconjugated avidin (10-30 minutes), wash, then apply free biotin (10-20 minutes) before applying biotin-conjugated antibody
Streptavidin-biotin blocking: Sequential application of streptavidin followed by free biotin
Commercial biotin blocking systems: Follow manufacturer's recommendations for optimal dilutions and incubation times
Alternative approaches when biotin interference persists:
Pre-absorption of tissues with streptavidin-HRP/AP without primary antibody to identify endogenous biotin patterns
Use of non-biotin detection systems (directly labeled antibodies or alternative conjugation chemistries)
Heat pretreatment (95°C for 5 minutes in citrate buffer) can sometimes reduce endogenous biotin signals
Validation controls for biotin interference:
Analytical considerations:
Robust control design is essential when studying SERPINB2 in inflammatory or cancer contexts due to complex regulation and potential non-specific induction:
Experimental controls for SERPINB2 specificity:
Positive cell/tissue controls: Placenta (high constitutive expression), LPS-stimulated monocytes/macrophages
Negative controls: SERPINB2-knockout tissues/cells, tissues known to lack SERPINB2 expression
Competitive inhibition: Pre-incubation of antibody with recombinant SERPINB2 should eliminate specific staining
Multiple antibody validation: Use at least two antibodies recognizing different SERPINB2 epitopes
Context-specific controls for inflammation studies:
Time-course controls: SERPINB2 expression is dynamically regulated during inflammation
Stimulus-specific controls: Different inflammatory stimuli induce SERPINB2 via distinct pathways
Cell-type controls: In mixed populations, confirm cell types expressing SERPINB2 using co-staining with lineage markers
Parallel measurement of other inflammation markers (IL-6, TNF-α) to contextualize SERPINB2 induction
Cancer context-specific controls:
Matched normal-tumor tissue pairs from the same patient
Cancer cell lines with known SERPINB2 expression status (positive: H292; negative/low: H292-Gef resistant cells)
SerpinB2 expression can be both up- and down-regulated in different cancers - expression pattern should be confirmed rather than assumed
Analysis of SERPINB2 in relation to cancer stage and grade to account for heterogeneity
Functional validation approaches:
Technical controls for biotin-conjugated antibodies:
Differentiating between the 47 kDa intracellular and 60 kDa secreted forms of SERPINB2 requires specific methodological approaches:
Sample preparation strategies:
Cellular fractionation: Separate cytoplasmic (47 kDa) and membrane/secreted fractions (60 kDa) before analysis
Selective permeabilization: Use digitonin (50 μg/mL) for plasma membrane-only permeabilization versus Triton X-100 (0.1%) for complete permeabilization
Collection methods: Analyze both cell lysates (for intracellular form) and concentrated culture supernatants or extracellular matrix extracts (for secreted form)
Immunodetection approaches:
Western blot: Biotin-conjugated antibodies can detect both forms based on molecular weight differences (47 kDa vs. 60 kDa)
Immunocytochemistry: Differential staining patterns (diffuse cytoplasmic vs. punctate/vesicular or extracellular)
Flow cytometry: Compare staining in permeabilized versus non-permeabilized cells
Glycosylation-specific detection methods:
Glycosidase treatment: PNGase F treatment converts the secreted form to the intracellular-sized form
Lectin co-staining: Use fluorescent lectins targeting N-linked glycans to co-localize with secreted SERPINB2
Glycan-sensitive antibodies: Some antibodies may preferentially recognize glycosylated or non-glycosylated forms
Experimental design recommendations:
Time-course studies: Pulse-chase experiments with protein synthesis inhibitors can track conversion from intracellular to secreted forms
Secretion inhibition: Brefeldin A or monensin treatment blocks secretion, causing accumulation of glycosylated forms intracellularly
Cell-surface biotinylation: To specifically identify cell-surface associated SERPINB2
Data analysis considerations:
Biotin-conjugated SERPINB2 antibodies offer versatile approaches for investigating SERPINB2's emerging role in immune modulation:
Cellular immunophenotyping strategies:
Multi-parameter flow cytometry: Combine biotin-conjugated SERPINB2 antibodies with markers for T cell subsets (CD4, CD8, Th1/Th2 markers) to analyze SERPINB2's relationship to T cell polarization
Imaging cytometry: Visualize intracellular SERPINB2 distribution in immune cells during activation
FACS-based isolation: Sort SERPINB2-high and SERPINB2-low macrophage populations for functional characterization
Experimental design for Th1/Th2 modulation studies:
In vitro co-culture systems: Measure T cell responses when cultured with SERPINB2-expressing versus SERPINB2-deficient APCs
Cytokine profiling: Assess Th1/Th2 cytokine production in relation to SERPINB2 expression levels
Time-course analysis: Monitor SERPINB2 expression during immune cell activation and differentiation phases
Mechanistic investigation approaches:
Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP): Identify transcription factors (like TRPS1) that regulate SERPINB2 during immune responses
Proximity ligation assay: Detect protein-protein interactions between SERPINB2 and potential binding partners in immune cells
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing: Create targeted mutations in SERPINB2 regulatory elements to dissect immune-specific control mechanisms
Translational research applications:
Patient-derived immune cell analysis: Compare SERPINB2 expression in immune cells from patients with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions versus healthy controls
Therapeutic modulation: Track changes in SERPINB2 expression during immunomodulatory therapy
Biomarker development: Correlate SERPINB2 levels with Th1/Th2 balance in various disease states
Data integration strategies:
Single-cell analysis: Correlate SERPINB2 expression with transcriptomic profiles in immune cell subpopulations
Systems biology approaches: Integrate SERPINB2 expression data with cytokine networks and signaling pathways
Computational modeling: Predict SERPINB2's impact on Th1/Th2 polarization based on expression patterns
Investigation of SERPINB2's newly discovered role in tissue mineralization requires specialized methodological approaches:
Tissue-specific detection strategies:
Decalcified tissue immunohistochemistry: Process mineralized tissues with EDTA-based decalcification before using biotin-conjugated SERPINB2 antibodies
Undecalcified tissue analysis: Employ plastic embedding and specialized sectioning for immunolocalization of SERPINB2 at mineralization fronts
Dual labeling: Combine SERPINB2 detection with mineral-binding fluorophores (e.g., calcein, alizarin red) to correlate expression with active mineralization sites
Cell culture models for functional analysis:
Osteogenic differentiation assays: Track SERPINB2 expression during staged differentiation of osteoblasts or odontoblasts
Mineralization quantification: Measure calcium deposition (alizarin red), phosphate incorporation (von Kossa), and mineral-to-protein ratios (FTIR spectroscopy) in relation to SERPINB2 levels
Phosphate-induced expression studies: Investigate SERPINB2 induction by varying extracellular phosphate concentrations to elucidate regulatory mechanisms
Molecular interaction studies:
Co-immunoprecipitation: Identify SERPINB2 binding partners in mineralizing tissues
In situ proximity ligation: Visualize interactions between SERPINB2 and other proteins at mineralization fronts
ChIP analysis: Map transcription factor (e.g., Trps1) binding to SERPINB2 regulatory elements during mineralization
Functional manipulation approaches:
SERPINB2 knockdown/knockout in mineralizing cells: Assess consequences on mineral deposition and crystallinity
Phosphate pathway modulation: Investigate SERPINB2's relationship with phosphate transporters and signaling
Rescue experiments: Restore SERPINB2 expression in deficient cells to confirm direct effects on mineralization
Advanced analytical techniques:
FTIR spectroscopic analysis: Measure mineral-to-protein ratios and crystallinity in relation to SERPINB2 expression
Micro-CT analysis: Quantify mineralization parameters in SERPINB2-manipulated systems
Nanoindentation: Assess mechanical properties of mineralized matrices in relation to SERPINB2 levels
Investigating SERPINB2's emerging role in cancer drug resistance requires specialized methodological approaches with biotin-conjugated antibodies:
Clinical sample analysis strategies:
Tissue microarray (TMA) immunohistochemistry: Compare SERPINB2 expression in treatment-naïve versus resistant tumors
Double immunofluorescence: Co-localize SERPINB2 with drug resistance markers (e.g., EGFR, MDR1)
Quantitative image analysis: Develop algorithms for precise quantification of SERPINB2 levels in heterogeneous tumor samples
In vitro resistance model approaches:
Paired sensitive/resistant cell lines: Compare SERPINB2 in matched pairs (e.g., H292 versus H292-Gef gefitinib-resistant cells)
Induced resistance models: Track SERPINB2 expression changes during acquisition of drug resistance
3D culture systems: Assess SERPINB2 expression in tumor spheroids during drug treatment
Functional analysis methodologies:
SERPINB2 manipulation: Use overexpression or knockdown to directly test effects on drug sensitivity
Drug response assays: Correlate SERPINB2 levels with IC50 values for various therapeutic agents
Invasion/migration assays: Assess relationship between SERPINB2 expression and invasive properties in resistant cells
Molecular mechanism investigations:
Translational research applications:
Patient-derived xenograft models: Assess SERPINB2 expression during treatment and emergence of resistance
Circulating tumor cell analysis: Detect SERPINB2 in CTCs as potential biomarker for resistance
Therapeutic targeting: Test compounds that restore SERPINB2 expression (e.g., yuanhuadine) in resistant cells
Interpreting discrepancies between SERPINB2 mRNA and protein levels requires systematic analytical approaches:
Potential mechanisms underlying discrepancies:
Post-transcriptional regulation: microRNAs targeting SERPINB2 mRNA
Protein stability differences: Intracellular SERPINB2 has different half-life than secreted form
Technical limitations: Antibody epitope accessibility versus mRNA probe detection efficiency
Subcellular localization: Secreted SERPINB2 may not be detected in cell-based assays
Methodological validation approaches:
Multiple antibody validation: Confirm protein expression patterns with antibodies targeting different SERPINB2 epitopes
Fractionation analysis: Separately analyze cellular, membrane-associated, and secreted SERPINB2
Time-course studies: Investigate temporal relationships between mRNA induction and protein accumulation
Absolute quantification: Use calibrated standards for both qRT-PCR and protein quantification
Experimental design considerations:
Data integration strategies:
Analytical interpretation frameworks:
Context-specific analysis: Inflammatory conditions may affect translation efficiency
Cell type considerations: Different cells may have distinct post-transcriptional regulation
Pathological state awareness: Disease states may alter the relationship between mRNA and protein
Integration with publicly available datasets to identify consistent patterns of discrepancy
Accurate quantification and comparison of SERPINB2 across experimental models requires standardized approaches:
Standardization of protein quantification methods:
Calibrated recombinant standards: Use purified recombinant SERPINB2 (both glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms) as quantitative standards
Absolute quantification approaches: Employ isotope-labeled peptide standards for mass spectrometry
Normalization strategies: Use housekeeping proteins appropriate for specific tissue/cell types
Signal calibration: Include calibration curves for both detection methods and imaging systems
Inter-model comparison approaches:
Common reference samples: Include identical positive controls across all experiments
Standardized units: Express SERPINB2 levels in absolute concentrations rather than relative values
Internal controls: Maintain consistent positive and negative control cell lines across studies
Batch correction methods: Apply statistical normalization for multi-batch experiments
Technical considerations for specific applications:
Flow cytometry: Use calibrated beads to convert fluorescence intensity to molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome (MESF)
Immunohistochemistry: Employ digital pathology with calibrated optical density measurements
Western blot: Utilize digital imaging systems with extended linear dynamic range
ELISA: Include standard curves on each plate and calculate inter-assay coefficients of variation
Biological variability management:
Statistical power calculations: Determine appropriate sample sizes for detecting biologically meaningful differences
Replicate structure: Include both technical and biological replicates
Capture heterogeneity: For tissues, analyze multiple fields or use tissue microarrays
Account for dynamic range: SERPINB2 expression can vary by orders of magnitude between basal and induced states
Data reporting and integration standards:
Detailed method documentation: Include all parameters affecting quantification
Raw data availability: Provide unprocessed data alongside analyzed results
Methodology-specific reporting: Follow field-specific guidelines (MIQE for qPCR, etc.)
Metadata inclusion: Document all factors potentially affecting SERPINB2 expression (cell density, passage number, etc.)
Resolving seemingly contradictory findings about SERPINB2 function requires sophisticated analytical frameworks:
Context-dependent analysis approaches:
Disease-specific framework: Separate analyses for different pathological contexts (inflammation, cancer, etc.)
Cell type consideration: Analyze SERPINB2 functions specifically within each cell type
Microenvironment assessment: Consider how tissue environment affects SERPINB2 function
Temporal dynamics: Frame contradictions within disease progression timelines
Mechanistic stratification strategies:
Functional domain analysis: Distinguish effects mediated by inhibitory versus non-inhibitory functions
Interaction partner mapping: Identify context-specific SERPINB2 binding partners
Signaling pathway integration: Frame contradictions within relevant signaling networks
Post-translational modification analysis: Consider how modifications affect function
Methodological reconciliation approaches:
Model system evaluation: Compare findings between in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies
Assay sensitivity assessment: Consider detection limits and dynamic ranges across studies
Antibody epitope analysis: Map epitopes recognized by different antibodies to functional domains
Experimental design comparison: Analyze differences in timing, dosing, and endpoints
Data integration frameworks:
Meta-analysis techniques: Systematically combine results across multiple studies
Network analysis: Position SERPINB2 within larger biological networks to identify context-specific roles
Multivariate approaches: Analyze SERPINB2 function in relation to multiple variables
Machine learning applications: Identify patterns predictive of specific functional outcomes
Biological complexity acknowledgment:
Dual function models: Develop frameworks accommodating apparently opposing functions
Threshold effect consideration: Analyze whether SERPINB2 exhibits concentration-dependent functional switching
Evolutionary perspective: Consider how SERPINB2's multiple functions evolved
Systems biology approaches: Model SERPINB2 within the broader context of tissue homeostasis