ZBTB46 (zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 46), also known as BTBD4 or ZNF340, is a transcription factor critical for immune regulation, particularly in dendritic cells and endothelial cells . The HRP (horseradish peroxidase)-conjugated ZBTB46 antibody is a specialized immunological tool designed for detecting this protein in various assays, including Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and ELISA. Below is a detailed analysis of its characteristics, applications, and research findings.
ZBTB46 functions as a transcriptional repressor for PRDM1 and regulates costimulatory molecule expression (e.g., CD80/86, CD40) in dendritic cells . Studies using ZBTB46 antibodies have demonstrated:
Epigenetic regulation: ZBTB46 recruits histone deacetylases (HDACs) to establish repressive chromatin marks (H3K9me3, H3K27me3) at CD80/86 and CD40 promoters, maintaining dendritic cell quiescence .
Shear stress response: In endothelial cells, ZBTB46 inhibits proliferation and angiogenesis under shear stress conditions .
The HRP-conjugated antibody has been validated in:
ZBTB46 (also known as BTBD4, ZNF340, BZEL) is a 589 amino acid protein containing one BTB/POZ domain. It functions as a transcriptional repressor for PRDM1 and is selectively expressed by conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and their committed progenitors. Its significance lies in its specificity as a marker - ZBTB46 is not expressed by plasmacytoid DCs, monocytes, macrophages, or other lymphoid or myeloid lineages, making it valuable for distinguishing cDCs from other immune cell populations . While not required for cDC development, ZBTB46 represses the expression of alternative myeloid growth factor receptors, enforcing cDC lineage restriction .
HRP (Horseradish Peroxidase) conjugation refers to the covalent attachment of the enzyme to the ZBTB46 antibody. This conjugation enables direct detection in assays like Western blot and ELISA without the need for secondary antibodies. When exposed to an appropriate substrate, the HRP enzyme catalyzes a reaction resulting in a detectable signal (typically colorimetric, chemiluminescent, or fluorescent). For ZBTB46 antibodies, HRP conjugation provides a convenient one-step detection system, improving assay efficiency and potentially reducing background noise associated with secondary antibody binding .
ZBTB46 Antibody, HRP conjugated is primarily used in the following applications:
Western Blot (WB): Application dilutions typically range from 1:300-5000
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Used for detecting ZBTB46 in tissue sections, as demonstrated in human tonsil tissue
Flow Cytometry: While not all HRP-conjugated versions are validated for flow cytometry, some ZBTB46 antibodies have been successfully used in this application
These applications allow researchers to detect and quantify ZBTB46 expression in cell lysates, tissue sections, and intact cells, providing valuable data on cDC identification and biology .
For optimal storage and handling of ZBTB46 Antibody, HRP conjugated:
Aliquoting: Divide into multiple small aliquots to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade the antibody and reduce HRP activity
Working solution: When preparing dilutions, use the recommended buffer systems (typically TBS with BSA or PBS with glycerol) at appropriate pH (typically pH 7.4)
Shipping condition: Typically shipped at 4°C, but should be transferred to -20°C storage upon receipt
Preservatives: Most formulations contain preservatives like 0.03% Proclin 300 to maintain stability
Proper storage and handling are critical for maintaining both antibody specificity and HRP enzymatic activity, ensuring consistent experimental results .
Validating ZBTB46 antibody specificity involves multiple complementary approaches:
Positive and negative control samples:
Knockdown/knockout validation:
Perform siRNA knockdown or CRISPR knockout of ZBTB46 in positive control cells
Compare antibody reactivity between wild-type and knockdown/knockout samples
Peptide competition assay:
Cross-validation with multiple antibodies:
Molecular weight verification:
This multi-faceted validation strategy ensures that experimental findings truly reflect ZBTB46 biology and are not artifacts of non-specific antibody binding .
Cross-reactivity considerations for ZBTB46 antibodies include:
Species-specific reactivity:
Most ZBTB46 antibodies are raised against human or mouse epitopes
Documented reactivity varies by product: some antibodies react with human only, others with mouse only, and some with both
Some antibodies are predicted to react with other species like rat, sheep, horse, and chicken based on sequence homology
Epitope conservation analysis:
The target region of the antibody significantly affects cross-reactivity
Antibodies targeting highly conserved regions (e.g., the BTB/POZ domain) may show broader cross-reactivity
Those targeting variable regions may be more species-specific
Experimental validation:
Known limitations:
Researchers should carefully select antibodies based on their target species and verify cross-reactivity claims experimentally before conducting cross-species comparative studies .
When encountering weak or absent signals with ZBTB46 Antibody, HRP conjugated in Western blot:
Antibody concentration:
Sample preparation:
Ensure complete protein denaturation and reduction
Verify protein loading (10-30 μg total protein per lane is typical)
Confirm sample integrity by running a housekeeping protein control
Transfer conditions:
Optimize transfer time and voltage for high molecular weight proteins
Consider using low-methanol or methanol-free transfer buffers for better transfer of ZBTB46 (~64.1 kDa)
Blocking conditions:
Detection system:
Ensure the HRP substrate is fresh and properly prepared
Extend exposure time for weak signals
Try more sensitive detection substrates (enhanced chemiluminescence or SuperSignal)
Protein expression level:
ZBTB46 may have variable expression levels across cell types
Consider concentrating samples from low-expressing cells
Antibody storage:
Systematically testing these variables while maintaining proper controls can help identify and resolve issues with weak or absent signals .
Optimizing ZBTB46 Antibody, HRP conjugated for immunohistochemistry:
Tissue preparation:
Use freshly fixed tissues (10% neutral buffered formalin is standard)
Paraffin-embedded sections should be 4-6 μm thick
Optimize antigen retrieval methods (heat-induced epitope retrieval in citrate buffer pH 6.0 or EDTA buffer pH 9.0)
Antibody dilution:
Incubation conditions:
Test both room temperature (1-2 hours) and 4°C (overnight) incubations
Humid chambers prevent section drying during incubation
Signal amplification:
Direct HRP conjugation provides one-step detection
For weak signals, consider additional amplification systems (tyramide signal amplification)
Counterstaining:
Use hematoxylin for nuclear counterstaining
Adjust counterstaining intensity to maintain ZBTB46 signal visibility
Controls:
Background reduction:
Block endogenous peroxidase activity (3% H₂O₂ in methanol, 10-15 minutes)
Use avidin/biotin blocking for tissues with endogenous biotin
Include protein blocking step (normal serum from same species as secondary antibody)
These optimization steps can help achieve specific staining of ZBTB46 in tissue sections while minimizing background and non-specific signals .
ZBTB46 antibodies enable sophisticated analyses of dendritic cell development:
Lineage tracing and identification:
Differentiation studies:
Flow cytometry applications:
Single-cell analysis:
Functional studies:
Disease models:
Examine DC development in disease settings
Track cDC populations in cancer, autoimmunity, and infection models
These applications leverage the specificity of ZBTB46 as a cDC marker to advance understanding of DC biology in health and disease .
Implementing ZBTB46 Antibody, HRP conjugated in multiplexed immunoassays requires addressing several technical considerations:
Spectral overlap management:
HRP typically produces brown/DAB precipitate in chromogenic detection
For multiplexing, consider:
Sequential detection with different substrates (DAB, AEC, etc.)
Chromogenic multiplexing systems that produce different colors
Combining with fluorescent detection for spectral separation
Primary antibody compatibility:
Ensure other primary antibodies are from different host species to avoid cross-reactivity
If using multiple rabbit antibodies, consider:
Directly conjugated antibodies with different reporters
Sequential detection with complete elution between rounds
Tyramide signal amplification with spectral unmixing
Epitope accessibility:
Multiple rounds of antigen retrieval may be needed
Test different retrieval conditions compatible with all targets
Consider the order of antibody application (less abundant targets first)
Signal-to-noise optimization:
HRP can create background through non-specific binding
Use appropriate blocking reagents for each detection system
Titrate antibody concentrations to minimize background
Cross-reactivity prevention:
Perform single-stain controls to verify specificity
Include absorption controls if antibodies target related proteins
Block previously detected antibodies before subsequent rounds
Data analysis:
Employ image analysis software for colocalization studies
Establish quantifiable metrics for each marker
Use appropriate statistical methods for multiplexed data
Internal controls:
Include positive controls for each marker
Incorporate negative controls lacking one primary antibody at a time
These considerations help researchers successfully integrate ZBTB46 detection into multiplexed assays for comprehensive analysis of complex cell populations .
Comparative analysis of differently conjugated ZBTB46 antibodies:
Selection considerations:
For Western blot and ELISA: HRP conjugates typically offer the best sensitivity and versatility
For flow cytometry: PE conjugates provide superior brightness and are preferred
For multiplex applications: Consider combining different conjugates with non-overlapping detection methods
For archival samples: Chromogenic detection with HRP offers long-term stability compared to fluorescent conjugates
The choice between conjugates should be guided by the specific application, available detection instruments, and experimental design requirements .
Comparing monoclonal and polyclonal ZBTB46 antibodies, HRP conjugated:
Selection guidelines:
Choose polyclonal antibodies when:
Choose monoclonal antibodies when:
Application-specific considerations:
The optimal choice depends on the research question, application, and whether specificity or sensitivity is the primary concern .
Integrating ZBTB46 antibodies into single-cell technologies:
Single-cell RNA-seq validation:
Use ZBTB46 antibodies to sort cells for scRNA-seq
Validate transcriptomic clusters with protein-level ZBTB46 expression
Correlate ZBTB46 protein expression with transcriptional programs
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) integration:
Metal-conjugated ZBTB46 antibodies can be incorporated into CyTOF panels
Enables simultaneous detection of 30+ markers including ZBTB46
Allows in-depth characterization of cDC subsets in complex tissues
Imaging mass cytometry:
Combine ZBTB46 detection with spatial information
Map cDC distribution in relation to tissue microenvironments
Study cDC interactions with other immune and non-immune cells
Spectral flow cytometry:
Include ZBTB46 in high-parameter flow panels (20+ colors)
Differentiate cDCs from similar populations using comprehensive marker panels
Apply advanced dimensionality reduction for visualization (t-SNE, UMAP)
CITE-seq approaches:
Use oligonucleotide-tagged ZBTB46 antibodies for CITE-seq
Simultaneously measure ZBTB46 protein and transcriptome in single cells
Uncover relationships between ZBTB46 protein expression and gene expression programs
Spatial transcriptomics correlation:
Validate spatial transcriptomics findings with ZBTB46 immunohistochemistry
Map ZBTB46+ cells to specific tissue niches
Correlate with gene expression patterns in the same regions
These cutting-edge applications enable comprehensive characterization of cDCs at unprecedented resolution, revealing heterogeneity and functional specialization within ZBTB46+ populations .
Emerging techniques for concurrent analysis of ZBTB46 expression and function:
Transcription factor activity reporters:
Develop reporter systems responding to ZBTB46 transcriptional repression activity
Measure ZBTB46 binding to PRDM1 promoter regions while detecting protein expression
Correlate protein levels with functional repression activity
Proximity ligation assays (PLA):
Detect ZBTB46 interaction with co-repressor complexes (SMRT/N-CoR-mSin3A HDAC complex)
Visualize protein-protein interactions in situ while quantifying expression levels
Map interaction networks in different DC subsets or activation states
CRISPR-based functional screens with antibody detection:
Combine CRISPR screens targeting ZBTB46-associated factors
Use ZBTB46 antibodies to sort cells based on expression levels
Correlate genetic perturbations with protein expression and function
Live-cell imaging with activity sensors:
Develop split fluorescent protein systems reporting on ZBTB46 activity
Monitor dynamic changes in localization and activity during DC development
Correlate with functional outputs like cytokine production
ChIP-seq with simultaneous phenotyping:
Perform ChIP-seq using ZBTB46 antibodies
Correlate binding sites with expression levels in sorted subpopulations
Identify target genes and regulatory networks
Multi-omics approaches:
Integrate ZBTB46 antibody-based sorting with proteomics and metabolomics
Correlate ZBTB46 expression with post-translational modifications
Link expression levels to metabolic states and functional capacity
Functional genomics correlation:
Use ZBTB46 antibodies to isolate cells for ATAC-seq
Correlate chromatin accessibility with ZBTB46 expression
Map global epigenetic changes downstream of ZBTB46 activity
These advanced techniques enable researchers to move beyond simple detection toward understanding how ZBTB46 protein expression relates to its functional activity in regulating DC development and function .
ZBTB46 antibodies can advance our understanding of cDC roles in disease through:
Cancer immunology:
Precise identification of tumor-infiltrating cDCs using ZBTB46
Correlation of cDC infiltration patterns with patient outcomes
Study of cDC dysfunction in tumor microenvironments
Testing how treatments affect cDC populations and function
Autoimmune disease:
Quantitative assessment of cDC populations in affected tissues
Characterization of cDC activation states in autoimmune conditions
Investigation of cDC-mediated antigen presentation to autoreactive T cells
Longitudinal monitoring of cDC populations during disease progression
Infectious disease responses:
Tracking cDC responses to various pathogens
Studying pathogen-mediated manipulation of cDC function
Examining cDC migration patterns during infection
Identifying correlates of protective immunity in cDC populations
Neurological disorders:
Investigating neuroimmune interactions involving cDCs
Studying cDC entry into the CNS during neuroinflammation
Examining cDC contributions to neurodegenerative diseases
Therapeutic development:
Biomarker identification:
Assessing whether cDC phenotypes predict disease outcomes
Developing ZBTB46-based diagnostic or prognostic tools
Monitoring treatment efficacy through cDC population analysis
By specifically identifying cDCs using ZBTB46 antibodies, researchers can disentangle their unique contributions to disease pathogenesis from other myeloid populations, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies targeting this specialized lineage .
Novel methodological approaches to enhance ZBTB46 antibody utility:
Intravital imaging techniques:
Develop non-toxic fluorescent conjugates of ZBTB46 antibodies
Apply two-photon microscopy for deep tissue imaging of ZBTB46+ cells
Track cDC migration, interaction with T cells, and response to stimuli in vivo
Organoid-based developmental systems:
Incorporate ZBTB46 antibody staining in lymphoid organoid cultures
Track cDC development in controlled microenvironments
Test factors that influence lineage commitment and differentiation
CRISPR-engineered reporter systems:
Generate knock-in fluorescent proteins at the ZBTB46 locus
Validate reporter systems using ZBTB46 antibodies
Create dual reporter/knockout systems to study gene function
Antibody engineering approaches:
Develop nanobody versions of ZBTB46 antibodies for improved tissue penetration
Create bispecific antibodies targeting ZBTB46 and functional markers
Engineer pH-sensitive fluorescent conjugates for endosomal tracking
Advanced microfluidics integration:
Combine ZBTB46 antibody detection with microfluidic single-cell isolation
Develop lab-on-a-chip systems for cDC functional assessment
Create high-throughput screening platforms for factors affecting cDC development
Genome-scale CRISPR screens:
Use ZBTB46 antibodies to sort cells after CRISPR perturbation
Identify genes regulating ZBTB46 expression and cDC development
Discover novel pathways controlling cDC lineage specification
Extracellular vesicle research integration:
These innovative approaches would significantly enhance our understanding of cDC development, function, and potential therapeutic applications by leveraging the specificity of ZBTB46 antibodies in increasingly sophisticated experimental systems .
Note: The table includes only HRP-conjugated ZBTB46 antibodies with detailed specifications available in the search results. Other conjugates (PE, FITC) and non-conjugated antibodies are available from additional suppliers .
ZBTB46 Subcellular Localization Data:
Functional context: Transcriptional repressor activity within the nucleus
Domain structure: Contains BTB/POZ domain mediating protein-protein interactions and zinc finger domains for DNA binding
Interaction partners: Associates with SMRT/N-CoR-mSin3A HDAC complex for gene silencing
Experimental Design Implications:
| Experimental Approach | Considerations Based on Nuclear Localization | Recommended Protocol Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Cell/Tissue Fixation | Nuclear antigens require appropriate fixation | - Use 10% neutral buffered formalin - Consider methanol fixation for improved nuclear access - Extended fixation time may be needed for tissue sections |
| Permeabilization | Nuclear membrane must be adequately permeabilized | - Include Triton X-100 (0.1-0.5%) in ICC/IF protocols - Consider saponin for flow cytometry applications - Ensure complete permeabilization for thick tissue sections |
| Antigen Retrieval | Nuclear antigens often require retrieval | - Heat-induced epitope retrieval with citrate buffer (pH 6.0) - Test both high and low pH retrieval buffers - Optimize retrieval time (typically 10-20 minutes) |
| Background Reduction | Nuclear staining can be affected by non-specific binding | - Include proper blocking of non-specific binding sites - Use nuclear counterstains compatible with HRP detection - Optimize antibody dilution to minimize background |
| Signal Detection | Nuclear signals may be concentrated but limited in area | - Use signal amplification for low-expressing samples - Optimize exposure times for concentrated nuclear signals - Consider z-stack imaging for complete nuclear visualization |
| Counterstaining | Nuclear markers require compatible counterstains | - Use light hematoxylin counterstaining for IHC- Select nuclear dyes with non-overlapping spectra for IF- Consider cytoplasmic counterstains to provide context |