TRAF3IP3 (TRAF3 Interacting Protein 3) is a critical adapter protein involved in both innate and adaptive immunity. It regulates processes such as T-cell development, autophagy, and antiviral responses by interacting with key signaling molecules like TRAF3, TBK1, and IRF3 . The TRAF3IP3 Antibody, HRP conjugated is a tool designed for detecting this protein in research applications, leveraging horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for enhanced signal detection in assays like Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
The TRAF3IP3 Antibody, HRP conjugated is a polyclonal rabbit antibody targeting the full-length TRAF3IP3 protein. While specific product details for HRP-conjugated variants are not explicitly listed in the provided sources, antibodies like Proteintech’s 18110-1-AP (unconjugated) serve as a foundation for such formulations. HRP-conjugated antibodies are commonly used in WB for direct detection of target proteins via chromogenic or chemiluminescent substrates, eliminating the need for secondary antibodies .
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Target | TRAF3IP3 (41–64 kDa isoforms) |
| Host/Isotype | Rabbit / IgG (polyclonal) |
| Reactivity | Human, mouse |
| Applications | WB, IHC, ELISA (unconjugated) |
| Dilution (WB) | 1:500–1:3000 |
| Dilution (IHC) | 1:50–1:500 |
The antibody has been instrumental in studying TRAF3IP3’s roles across immune pathways:
T-Cell Development: TRAF3IP3 is essential for thymocyte maturation and Golgi-associated ERK signaling .
Antiviral Immunity: It negatively regulates cytosolic RNA-induced IFN-I responses by competing with MAVS for TRAF3/TBK1 binding .
Autophagy Regulation: In MZ B cells, TRAF3IP3 promotes autophagy via ATG16L1 interaction, preventing apoptosis .
Viral Countermeasures: EV71 3C protease cleaves TRAF3IP3 to evade its antiviral effects .
Key studies using TRAF3IP3 antibodies include:
T-Cell Stability: TRAF3IP3 recruits PP2Ac to lysosomes, restricting mTORC1 activity and glycolytic metabolism in regulatory T cells .
Viral Inhibition: Overexpression of TRAF3IP3 suppresses IFN-β production during RNA virus infections, while its knockout enhances antiviral signaling .
Cancer Immunotherapy: Deletion of TRAF3IP3 in regulatory T cells improves antitumor immunity in murine models .
TRAF3 interacting protein 3 (TRAF3IP3) is an essential adapter protein containing a coiled-coil domain that plays critical roles in both innate and adaptive immunity. It is crucial for thymocyte development and regulates T-cell stability and function by recruiting the serine-threonine phosphatase catalytic subunit (PPP2CA) to the lysosome . Additionally, TRAF3IP3 is involved in antiviral signaling pathways, particularly in the RIG-I-MAVS antiviral signaling that stimulates interferon production and confers innate immunity to the host . Understanding TRAF3IP3 function is valuable for immunologists studying adaptive immune responses and antiviral mechanisms.
Based on data from similar TRAF3IP3 antibodies, the recommended dilution ranges are:
| Application | Dilution Range |
|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | 1:500-1:3000 |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 1:50-1:500 |
| ELISA | Optimization required for each assay system |
It is important to note that optimal dilutions are sample-dependent and should be determined empirically for each experimental system to achieve the best signal-to-noise ratio .
The TRAF3IP3 antibody (HRP conjugated) specifically targets amino acids 74-185 of human TRAF3IP3 . According to reactivity data from similar products, TRAF3IP3 antibodies can detect both human and mouse TRAF3IP3, with confirmed reactivity against human samples in published literature . When designing experiments using this antibody, it's essential to consider species compatibility and validate cross-reactivity if working with non-human models.
To investigate these seemingly contradictory roles, researchers can design experiments using the TRAF3IP3 antibody to:
Track TRAF3IP3 localization during viral infection through immunofluorescence microscopy
Monitor TRAF3IP3 protein levels in response to viral challenge via Western blotting
Assess TRAF3IP3 interactions with key signaling proteins (MAVS, TBK1, TRAF3) through co-immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblotting with the TRAF3IP3 antibody
Compare TRAF3IP3 expression levels between different cell types to understand tissue-specific regulation
These approaches can help elucidate the context-dependent functions of TRAF3IP3 in antiviral immunity .
Recent research has shown that TRAF3IP3 can be cleaved by the EV71 3C protease during viral infection . When investigating such post-translational modifications:
Select appropriate experimental controls, including uninfected cells and cells expressing catalytically inactive mutants (e.g., 3C-C147S) to distinguish specific cleavage from non-specific degradation
Consider using gradient concentrations of viral proteases to establish dose-dependent relationships
Employ antibodies recognizing different epitopes (N-terminal vs. C-terminal) to identify cleavage fragments
Design time-course experiments to track the kinetics of TRAF3IP3 cleavage during infection
The detection of cleavage products requires careful optimization of gel electrophoresis conditions to resolve fragments of similar molecular weights. Western blotting using the HRP-conjugated TRAF3IP3 antibody can provide valuable insights into how viruses manipulate host antiviral mechanisms .
When studying TRAF3IP3 interactions within multiprotein complexes:
Validate antibody specificity using knockout/knockdown controls (TRAF3IP3-deficient cells) to confirm signal specificity
Perform blocking peptide experiments with the immunizing peptide (amino acids 74-185) to confirm epitope specificity
Consider potential confounding factors from proteins with similar epitopes or molecular weights
Use orthogonal detection methods to confirm co-immunoprecipitation results
These validation steps are particularly important when studying TRAF3IP3 interactions with its known binding partners such as TRAF3, MAVS, and TBK1 in antiviral signaling complexes .
When performing Western blotting for TRAF3IP3 detection:
Prepare cell lysates in RIPA buffer with protease inhibitors
Separate proteins on 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels (TRAF3IP3 has reported molecular weights of 41 kDa, 47 kDa, and 64 kDa)
Transfer to PVDF or nitrocellulose membranes
Block with 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST for 1 hour
Incubate with diluted TRAF3IP3-HRP antibody (1:500-1:3000) for 2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C
Wash thoroughly with TBST (3-5 times, 5 minutes each)
Develop using ECL substrate directly (no secondary antibody needed due to HRP conjugation)
Note that TRAF3IP3 can appear at different molecular weights (observed at 64 kDa, 47 kDa, and 41 kDa) , so proper positive controls are essential for accurate band identification.
Researchers using TRAF3IP3 antibodies for IHC applications should consider these challenges:
Antigen retrieval method selection: Data suggests that TE buffer pH 9.0 is recommended for optimal antigen retrieval, although citrate buffer pH 6.0 may be used as an alternative
Tissue-specific optimization: Positive detection has been confirmed in human colon cancer tissue and human tonsillitis tissue
Signal specificity: Include appropriate positive controls (Jurkat cells, human colon cancer tissue, mouse thymus tissue) and negative controls (tissues known not to express TRAF3IP3)
Background reduction: Optimize blocking conditions and antibody dilutions to minimize non-specific staining
When troubleshooting weak or absent signals, consider increasing antibody concentration, extending incubation times, or testing alternative antigen retrieval methods.
To validate TRAF3IP3 antibody performance in virus-host interaction studies:
Compare TRAF3IP3 detection in mock-infected versus virus-infected cells
Use TRAF3IP3 knockout/knockdown cells as negative controls
Verify antibody specificity against recombinant TRAF3IP3 protein
Perform parallel experiments with multiple antibodies targeting different TRAF3IP3 epitopes
These validation steps are particularly important when studying TRAF3IP3 cleavage by viral proteases like EV71 3C or changes in TRAF3IP3 localization during infection.
TRAF3IP3 can be detected at multiple molecular weights (64 kDa, 47 kDa, and 41 kDa) , which may reflect:
Alternative splicing variants (the calculated molecular weights are 41 kDa for a 353aa variant and 64 kDa for a 551aa variant)
Post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation or ubiquitination
Proteolytic processing during sample preparation or in biological contexts
Cell type-specific expression patterns
When encountering unexpected molecular weight variations, researchers should consider:
Running molecular weight standards alongside samples
Including known positive controls from validated cell lines (e.g., Jurkat cells)
Using epitope-mapped antibodies to determine which protein region is being detected
Performing additional experiments such as mass spectrometry to confirm protein identity
The literature presents seemingly contradictory roles for TRAF3IP3 in antiviral immunity:
Negative regulatory role: TRAF3IP3 has been shown to suppress cytosolic RNA-induced IFN-I pathway by inhibiting IRF3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation
Positive regulatory role: TRAF3IP3 mediates the recruitment of TRAF3 to MAVS for effective antiviral innate immune responses
To address these contradictions, researchers should:
Consider cell type-specific effects (TRAF3IP3 expression varies across different cell types)
Examine the timing of responses (early vs. late responses in infection)
Evaluate the viral stimulus used (different viruses may trigger distinct pathways)
Assess experimental conditions (overexpression vs. knockdown approaches)
Design experiments that directly compare TRAF3IP3 function across multiple cell types and viral challenges
A comprehensive experimental approach combining both loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies can help clarify these context-dependent roles.
When planning co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments to study TRAF3IP3 protein interactions:
Antibody orientation: Consider whether the HRP conjugation might interfere with epitope binding during immunoprecipitation; for Co-IP, unconjugated antibodies may be preferable
Buffer conditions: Optimize lysis buffer composition to preserve protein-protein interactions (mild detergents like NP-40 or Triton X-100 are preferable to RIPA buffer)
Control selection: Include isotype controls and reciprocal Co-IPs to confirm specific interactions
Domain mapping: When examining interactions with proteins like TBK1, consider using deletion constructs to map interaction domains as demonstrated in the literature
Future research applications for TRAF3IP3 antibody may include:
Single-cell analysis: Combining TRAF3IP3 antibody with flow cytometry or mass cytometry to examine expression at the single-cell level
Proximity ligation assays: Using TRAF3IP3 antibody in combination with antibodies against interaction partners to visualize protein complexes in situ
ChIP-seq applications: Investigating potential chromatin interactions if TRAF3IP3 has nuclear functions
Therapeutic target validation: Evaluating TRAF3IP3 as a potential target in antiviral therapies or immune modulation
These applications could provide deeper insights into TRAF3IP3's multifaceted roles in immunity and viral pathogenesis.
TRAF3IP3 antibodies could be valuable tools for studying host responses to emerging viral pathogens by:
Tracking changes in TRAF3IP3 expression, localization, or post-translational modifications during infection
Identifying viral immune evasion strategies that target TRAF3IP3 function
Examining how TRAF3IP3-dependent signaling contributes to pathogen-specific responses
Screening for viral proteins that interact with or modify TRAF3IP3
Given that TRAF3IP3 is cleaved by EV71 3C protease , similar mechanisms might exist for other viruses, representing an important area for future investigation.