Anthrax LF Antibody

Anthrax LF Polyclonal Antibody is a crucial tool in the study of Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium responsible for anthrax. This antibody specifically targets the lethal factor (LF) component of the anthrax toxin, which is one of the three proteins produced by B. anthracis, alongside protective antigen (PA) and edema factor (EF).

The anthrax toxin is a tripartite protein complex consisting of:

1. Protective Antigen (PA): Binds to cell surface receptors and facilitates the entry of LF and EF into the host cells.
2. Lethal Factor (LF): A protease that disrupts cellular signaling pathways, leading to cell death.
3. Edema Factor (EF): An adenylate cyclase that increases cyclic AMP levels, causing fluid accumulation and swelling.

The process begins with PA binding to its cell-surface receptor, known as the anthrax toxin receptor (ATR). Once bound, PA is cleaved by a furin-like protease, resulting in a fragment that can bind both LF and EF. This complex is then endocytosed, allowing LF and EF to translocate into the cytoplasm of the host cell. LF, in particular, cleaves members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) family, disrupting cellular signaling and leading to cell death .

Anthrax LF Polyclonal Antibody is typically produced by immunizing rabbits with synthetic peptides corresponding to specific regions of the LF protein. The resulting antibodies are then purified using affinity chromatography. This ensures high specificity and affinity for the LF protein .

This polyclonal antibody is widely used in various research applications, including:

• Western Blotting: To detect the presence of LF in samples.
• ELISA: For quantifying LF levels in different biological samples.
• Immunohistochemistry: To study the localization of LF within tissues.

The antibody is usually formulated in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with a preservative such as sodium azide. For long-term storage, it is recommended to aliquot the antibody and store it at -20°C to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles .