The indoleamine 2.3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2) enzyme, a homolog of IDO1. is part of the tryptophan catabolism pathway that regulates immune tolerance and inflammation. While IDO1 is well-studied for its role in immunosuppression within tumor microenvironments, IDO2 shares partial functional overlap but exhibits distinct expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms. IDO2 is expressed in specific tissues, including the liver, kidney, and immune cells, and is implicated in modulating adaptive immune responses. Its genetic polymorphisms have been linked to autoimmune diseases, cancer progression, and neurological disorders, though its precise biological functions remain less understood compared to IDO1.
IDO2 antibodies are critical tools for studying its expression, localization, and interaction networks. They enable researchers to explore IDO2's role in pathological conditions, such as its contribution to tumor immune evasion or chronic inflammation. Recent studies highlight IDO2 as a potential therapeutic target, with antibodies being developed to block its enzymatic activity or disrupt its signaling in preclinical models. However, challenges persist in distinguishing IDO2-specific effects from IDO1 due to structural similarities. Ongoing research aims to clarify IDO2's unique mechanisms and validate its clinical relevance, paving the way for targeted therapies in cancer immunotherapy and autoimmune disease management.