Nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), also known as inducible NOS (iNOS), is an enzyme that catalyzes the production of nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine. Unlike its constitutive isoforms (NOS1 and NOS3), NOS2 is not typically expressed under normal physiological conditions but is induced in response to inflammatory stimuli, such as cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β) or microbial pathogens. This induction occurs primarily in immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils) and other tissues during infection, inflammation, or stress. NOS2-derived NO plays a dual role, acting as a signaling molecule in immune defense by targeting pathogens and regulating cellular processes, while excessive or prolonged production can contribute to tissue damage and chronic inflammatory diseases.
NOS2 antibodies are essential tools for studying the enzyme’s expression, localization, and function in research and diagnostics. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to detect NOS2 in cells, tissues, or biological fluids. These antibodies help elucidate NOS2's involvement in pathologies such as sepsis, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Specificity is critical, as cross-reactivity with other NOS isoforms (e.g., NOS1/NOS3) must be minimized. Many NOS2 antibodies target epitopes in the oxygenase or reductase domains, with validation often performed using knockout controls. Commercial antibodies are available for various species, including human, mouse, and rat. Understanding NOS2 regulation and activity through antibody-based assays contributes to therapeutic strategies targeting NO pathways in inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions.