Albumin (ALB) antibodies are immunological tools targeting albumin, a highly abundant plasma protein synthesized primarily in the liver. As the most prevalent protein in human blood (35–50 g/L), albumin plays critical roles in maintaining osmotic pressure, transporting hormones/fatty acids, and regulating pH. ALB antibodies are widely utilized in research, diagnostics, and therapeutic development due to albumin's physiological and pathological significance.
In research, ALB antibodies enable quantitative detection (ELISA, Western blot) and tissue localization (immunohistochemistry) of albumin, aiding studies on liver function, vascular permeability, and metabolic disorders. Commercially available ALB antibodies are typically raised in rabbits, mice, or goats, with both monoclonal (high specificity) and polyclonal (broad epitope recognition) variants. Cross-reactivity across species (e.g., human, mouse, rat) is common due to albumin's structural conservation.
Clinically, ALB antibodies support diagnostic assays for hypoalbuminemia (liver/kidney diseases) and monitor conditions like nephrotic syndrome. Emerging therapeutic applications include antibody-drug conjugates targeting albumin-bound molecules and neutralizing antibodies for rare albumin-related autoimmune conditions. Recent advances in recombinant antibody technology have improved batch consistency and reduced non-specific binding, enhancing their utility in precision medicine. Validation remains crucial, as endogenous albumin abundance can interfere with assay sensitivity in biological samples.