HA-tag Antibody

The HA-tag, or hemagglutinin tag, is a peptide sequence derived from the human influenza virus hemagglutinin protein. This tag is widely used in molecular biology for the detection and purification of proteins. The HA-tag sequence is composed of nine amino acids: YPYDVPDYA .

The HA-tag was first introduced as a tool for protein research in the late 1980s. Researchers recognized the potential of using a small, well-characterized peptide sequence that could be easily detected by specific antibodies. The HA-tag is derived from the HA protein of the influenza virus, which is responsible for the virus’s ability to bind to host cells .

The HA-tag is commonly used in various applications, including:

• Western Blotting: The HA-tag allows for the detection of tagged proteins using specific antibodies in Western blot assays .
• Immunoprecipitation: HA-tagged proteins can be selectively precipitated from a mixture using HA-specific antibodies .
• Immunofluorescence: The HA-tag can be used to visualize the localization of proteins within cells using fluorescence microscopy .
• Flow Cytometry: HA-tagged proteins can be detected and quantified in cell populations using flow cytometry .

Mouse monoclonal antibodies against the HA-tag are widely used due to their high specificity and affinity for the HA peptide. These antibodies are typically produced by immunizing mice with a synthetic peptide corresponding to the HA-tag sequence. The resulting antibodies can recognize the HA-tag fused to either the amino or carboxy terminus of target proteins .

The HA-tag offers several advantages:

• Small Size: The HA-tag is small enough that it is unlikely to interfere with the biochemical properties of the tagged protein .
• High Specificity: HA-tag antibodies provide a reliable method for detecting and purifying tagged proteins without the need for a protein-specific antibody .
• Versatility: The HA-tag can be used in a variety of experimental techniques, making it a versatile tool for protein research .