KRT18 Antibody

Cytokeratin 18 (CK18) is a type I intermediate filament protein that plays a crucial role in the structural integrity and function of epithelial cells. It is often studied in conjunction with its filament partner, Cytokeratin 8 (CK8), and is widely used as a biomarker in cancer research and diagnostics. Mouse anti-human Cytokeratin 18 antibodies are commonly used in laboratory settings to detect and study CK18 in human tissues.

CK18 is encoded by the KRT18 gene located on chromosome 12q13.13 in humans . It is primarily expressed in single-layered or “simple” epithelial tissues, including the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract . CK18, along with CK8, forms a network of intermediate filaments that provide mechanical support to epithelial cells and contribute to various cellular processes such as apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and signal transduction .

CK18 is a valuable biomarker in cancer diagnostics and prognostics. It is consistently expressed in various epithelial cancers, particularly adenocarcinomas of the lung, prostate, colon, and pancreas . The expression levels of CK18 can provide insights into tumor differentiation and progression. For instance, down-regulation of CK18 in invasive breast carcinomas and clear cell renal cell carcinomas is associated with adverse tumor features and poor patient prognosis .

Mouse anti-human antibodies are monoclonal antibodies produced by immunizing mice with human antigens. These antibodies are highly specific and are widely used in research and diagnostic applications. However, the use of mouse-derived antibodies in humans can trigger an immune response known as the Human Anti-Mouse Antibody (HAMA) response . This response can range from mild allergic reactions to severe complications such as kidney failure .

To mitigate the HAMA response, researchers have developed chimeric and humanized antibodies that combine mouse and human antibody sequences. These engineered antibodies are less likely to be recognized as foreign by the human immune system and are therefore safer for therapeutic use .

Mouse anti-human CK18 antibodies are extensively used in immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques to detect CK18 expression in tissue samples. These antibodies help in the identification and characterization of epithelial cells and tumors, aiding in cancer diagnosis and research . Additionally, CK18 levels can be measured in blood samples as a non-invasive biomarker for monitoring cancer progression and treatment response .