Monoclonal Antibody for Specific Detection of the Transcription Factor Eos (Ikzf4) in Regulatory T Cells
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are immune cells that keep the immune system balanced and prevent autoimmunity. Tregs depend on a protein called Eos (Ikzf4) that helps turn genes on and off for their development and function, but until now, antibodies used to detect and study Eos were unreliable.
Researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have created monoclonal antibody 18H2 to accurately detect Eos in mouse and human Treg cells. To make 18H2, they immunized hamsters with a segment of the Eos protein and used advanced techniques to select the best antibody-producing cells. The resulting 18H2 antibody specifically detects Eos and does not react with cells lacking Eos.
The 18H2 antibody stands out by reliably detecting both human and mouse Eos and performing better in laboratory tests, such as flow cytometry, used to analyze Treg cells. This technology offers a powerful new way to study Treg cell development and how Eos helps protect against autoimmune conditions.
- Development of tests that track Treg cell function and Eos protein levels in patients and monitor Eos levels in autoimmune diseases, cancer treatments, and organ transplants.
- Eos-specific detection, confirmed by lack of reactivity in cells that lack Eos.
- Detection of both mouse and human Eos, enabling application to human research.
- Precise detection and measurement of Treg cells in diverse sample types.