CTSS Antibody
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Cathepsin-S is a member of the cysteine cathepsin protease family, specifically classified under the peptidase C1 family . It is a lysosomal enzyme that plays a crucial role in the degradation of antigenic proteins into peptides for presentation to the MHC class II molecules . This process is essential for the immune system’s ability to recognize and respond to pathogens.
Cathepsin-S is unique among lysosomal proteases because it remains catalytically active at a neutral pH, with an optimum pH range between 6.0 and 7.5 . This characteristic allows it to function outside the lysosome, unlike many other lysosomal proteases that are restricted to acidic environments .
The enzyme is expressed by various antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages, B-lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and microglia . It is also found in some epithelial cells, with its expression significantly increased in human keratinocytes following stimulation with interferon-gamma . Cathepsin-S is involved in several biological processes, including:
- Antigen Presentation: It degrades the invariant chain associated with MHC class II molecules, facilitating the presentation of antigenic peptides to T cells .
- Inflammation Regulation: By processing cytokines and host defense proteins, Cathepsin-S plays a role in modulating inflammatory responses .
- Nociception: It functions as a signaling molecule via activation of protease-activated receptors 2 and 4, contributing to itch and pain sensations .
Mouse anti-human antibodies are secondary antibodies generated by immunizing mice with human immunoglobulins. These antibodies are affinity-purified and have well-characterized specificity for human immunoglobulins . They are widely used in various immunological assays, including ELISA, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry .
The primary applications of mouse anti-human antibodies include:
- Detection: They are used to detect human antibodies in various samples, such as serum or plasma .
- Sorting and Purification: These antibodies can be used to sort or purify human cells or proteins based on their immunoglobulin content .
- Signal Amplification: By binding to primary antibodies, mouse anti-human antibodies can amplify the signal in detection systems, enhancing sensitivity .
However, the use of mouse anti-human antibodies can sometimes lead to the development of human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) in patients. The HAMA response can range from mild allergic reactions to severe, life-threatening conditions .
Combining the specificity of mouse anti-human antibodies with the biological significance of Cathepsin-S can be particularly useful in research and diagnostic applications. For instance, mouse anti-human Cathepsin-S antibodies can be employed to study the expression and function of Cathepsin-S in human tissues and cells. This can provide valuable insights into the role of Cathepsin-S in various diseases, including inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
