**Background of ITGB6 Antibody**
The ITGB6 antibody targets integrin beta-6 (ITGB6), a subunit of the αvβ6 heterodimer, a cell surface receptor involved in cell-matrix interactions. Integrin αvβ6 binds to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins containing an RGD motif, such as fibronectin and tenascin, and plays critical roles in epithelial cell adhesion, migration, and signaling. Notably, αvβ6 is highly expressed in epithelial tissues during wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer, but exhibits limited expression in healthy adult tissues.
ITGB6 antibodies are valuable research tools for studying αvβ6's functional roles, particularly its activation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), a key regulator of tissue remodeling and immune responses. Dysregulated αvβ6 expression is linked to pathological conditions, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cancer progression, and chronic inflammation. In cancer, elevated ITGB6 levels correlate with tumor invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis.
Therapeutic ITGB6 antibodies are under exploration for blocking αvβ6-mediated TGF-β activation or ECM interactions to inhibit fibrosis or tumor growth. Diagnostic applications focus on detecting ITGB6 overexpression in diseased tissues as a biomarker. Challenges include optimizing specificity and minimizing off-target effects. Overall, ITGB6 antibodies hold promise for both understanding αvβ6 biology and developing targeted therapies for fibrosis and cancer.