The PAFAH2 (Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase 2) antibody is a tool used to detect and study the PAFAH2 enzyme, a member of the phospholipase A2 superfamily. PAFAH2. also known as PLA2G7B, is a cytoplasmic enzyme that hydrolyzes platelet-activating factor (PAF), a potent lipid mediator involved in inflammation, immune responses, and vascular homeostasis. Unlike its isoform PAFAH1. which forms a heterotrimeric complex, PAFAH2 functions as a monomer and exhibits distinct substrate preferences, including oxidized phospholipids associated with oxidative stress. Its role in mitigating PAF-mediated inflammatory processes and modulating lipid metabolism has linked it to conditions like atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.
PAFAH2 antibodies are typically developed using immunogenic peptides or recombinant protein fragments, and they enable researchers to investigate the enzyme’s expression, localization, and function in various tissues and disease models. These antibodies are validated for applications such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, often with species specificity for human, mouse, or rat samples. Commercially available PAFAH2 antibodies are crucial for elucidating its regulatory mechanisms, interactions with signaling pathways, and potential therapeutic targeting. Proper validation via knockout controls or siRNA knockdown ensures specificity, as cross-reactivity with related enzymes (e.g., PAFAH1) must be ruled out.