The KLK10 gene encodes for a secreted serine protease known as human kallikrein 10 (hK10). This protein is expressed in various tissues, including the salivary glands, skin, and colon. It is also detectable in biological fluids such as breast milk, seminal plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, and serum .
Recombinant hK10 protein is produced and purified using a Pichia pastoris yeast expression system. This recombinant protein is used as an immunogen to generate mouse and rabbit polyclonal anti-hK10 antisera. These antibodies are then utilized to develop a sensitive and specific immunoassay for hK10 .
The development of the first immunofluorometric assay for hK10 has enabled researchers to study its distribution in biological fluids and tissue extracts. This assay has a detection limit of 0.05 μg/L and is specific for hK10, with no detectable cross-reactivity with other homologous kallikrein proteins . The assay’s sensitivity and specificity make it a valuable tool for examining the potential of hK10 as a disease biomarker.