Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) antibodies are immunoglobulins designed to target AFP, a glycoprotein produced primarily during fetal development. AFP is synthesized by the fetal liver and yolk sac, playing roles in regulating osmotic pressure and binding molecules like estrogens. Postnatally, AFP levels drop sharply, remaining low in healthy adults (<10 ng/mL). However, elevated AFP is associated with pathological conditions, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), germ cell tumors, and certain liver diseases (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis). During pregnancy, abnormal AFP levels in maternal serum or amniotic fluid may indicate fetal neural tube defects or chromosomal abnormalities.
AFP antibodies are critical components in diagnostic immunoassays, such as ELISA, chemiluminescence, or lateral flow tests, to quantify AFP levels. In clinical practice, these assays aid in cancer surveillance, particularly for HCC monitoring and treatment response assessment. However, AFP's limited specificity—elevations occur in nonmalignant conditions—necessitates complementary biomarkers (e.g., ultrasound, des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin) for accurate diagnosis.
Research also explores AFP antibodies in therapeutic contexts, such as antibody-drug conjugates or imaging probes, though clinical applications remain experimental. Challenges include optimizing antibody specificity to minimize cross-reactivity with homologous proteins (e.g., albumin) and improving assay sensitivity for early cancer detection. Overall, AFP antibodies serve as vital tools in both diagnostics and ongoing research into AFP-related pathologies.