TMED4 antibodies are immunoreagents designed to specifically bind to the TMED4 protein, a member of the EMP24/GP25L family involved in protein trafficking and ERS regulation. TMED4 plays a critical role in maintaining regulatory T cell (Treg) stability and function by modulating the IRE1α/XBP1 axis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis . Antibodies against TMED4 are widely used in techniques such as:
Western blotting (WB)
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Immunocytochemistry (ICC)
Immunoprecipitation (IP)
Key providers include Proteintech, LSBio, and Invitrogen, with validated antibodies targeting human, mouse, rat, and other species .
Below is a comparative analysis of widely used TMED4 antibodies:
| Provider | Catalog No. | Clonality | Applications | Reactivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proteintech Group | 14141-1-AP | Polyclonal | WB, ELISA, ICC, IP | Human, Mouse, Rat |
| LSBio | LS-C30631 | Polyclonal | WB, IHC | Human, Mouse |
| Invitrogen Antibodies | 14141-1-AP | Polyclonal | WB, ICC, IP, IF | Human, Mouse, Rat, Cow, Guinea Pig |
| antibodies-online | ABIN2776674 | Polyclonal | WB, IHC | Human, Mouse, Rat, Pig, Zebrafish |
| GeneTex | GTX112712 | Polyclonal | WB, ICC, IHC | Human, Mouse |
Notes:
Epitope specificity: Most antibodies target the N-terminal region of TMED4 .
Cross-reactivity: Validated in multiple species, including cow, zebrafish, and guinea pig .
Mechanism: TMED4 maintains Treg suppressive function by stabilizing Foxp3 through IRE1α/XBP1-mediated ROS regulation. Loss of TMED4 in Tregs (Tmed4 ΔTreg mice) leads to:
Rescue strategies: ROS scavengers or IRE1α overexpression restore Treg function .
TMED4 interacts with BIP (binding immunoglobulin protein) to suppress IRE1α degradation via the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) system .
Deficiency in TMED4 disrupts mitochondrial integrity and amplifies ROS production, impairing Treg function in tumor microenvironments .
Cancer: Tmed4 ΔTreg mice show slower tumor growth and heightened CD8+ T cell activity due to dysfunctional Tregs .
Autoimmunity: TMED4-deficient mice exhibit severe inflammation and lymphocytic infiltration in organs like the lungs .
Chemical modulation: TMED4 expression is influenced by compounds such as:
Disease links: TMED4 is implicated in responses to toxins (e.g., carbon tetrachloride) and drugs (e.g., doxorubicin) .
Antibody validation: Ensure batch-to-batch consistency for reproducibility in ERS and immune studies.
Therapeutic targeting: TMED4’s role in balancing ERS and ROS positions it as a potential target for autoimmune and cancer therapies.
TMED4 antibody is involved in vesicular protein trafficking, primarily within the early secretory pathway. It plays a role in targeting, maintaining the Golgi apparatus, and facilitating the biosynthesis and processing of secreted cargo. Additionally, TMED4 is implicated in the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. It may also contribute to the regulation of the heat-shock response and apoptosis.
How does TMED4 deficiency alter Treg suppressive function in autoimmune and cancer models?
Data interpretation:
In Tmed4 ΔTreg mice, Tregs show reduced Foxp3 stability and increased ROS, leading to hyperactive CD4+/CD8+ T cells .
Use flow cytometry to quantify IFN-γ+ T cells in EAE or tumor models (e.g., MC38 tumors) .
Rescue experiments: Administer NRF2 inducers (e.g., sulforaphane) or ROS scavengers (e.g., NAC) to restore Treg function .
What mechanistic insights link TMED4 to the IRE1α/XBP1 axis?
How to address cross-reactivity discrepancies in multi-species studies?
What controls are essential for TMED4 antibody use in protein trafficking studies?
Table 1: TMED4 Antibody Validation Data
| Application | Sample Type | Observed MW (kDa) | Validation Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| WB | Mouse liver | 24–26 | Strong band |
| IHC | Rat liver | 24–26 | Specific staining |
| IF/ICC | HepG2 cells | N/A | ER/Golgi signal |
Table 2: TMED4 Functional Interactions
| Interaction Partner | Biological Role | Experimental System |
|---|---|---|
| IRE1α | Stabilizes IRE1α via ERAD | Tmed4 ΔTreg mice |
| BIP (GRP78) | ER chaperone for IRE1α | Co-IP assays |
| NRF2 | Mediates antioxidant response | ROS scavenger rescue |
Can TMED4 modulation enhance antitumor immunity?
How do TMED4 isoforms impact antibody performance?