The A1BG antibody targets Alpha-1-B glycoprotein (A1BG), a plasma protein first identified in the 1960s. Encoded by the *A1BG* gene, this ~54 kDa glycoprotein is primarily synthesized in the liver and detected in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and other bodily fluids. While its exact biological function remains unclear, A1BG is speculated to play roles in immunomodulation, protease inhibition, or cell adhesion due to structural features like four immunoglobulin-like domains.
A1BG antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are widely used in research to study protein expression, localization, and potential disease associations. They enable detection via techniques like Western blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. Elevated or reduced A1BG levels have been observed in cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma), autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions, suggesting its involvement in pathological processes. However, inconsistencies across studies highlight challenges in standardizing antibody specificity and interpreting A1BG's clinical relevance.
Recent advances in proteomics and glycomics have renewed interest in A1BG as a possible biomarker or therapeutic target. Its glycosylation patterns, which vary under disease states, may hold diagnostic value. Despite progress, comprehensive mechanistic studies are still needed to define A1BG's physiological roles and validate its antibody-based applications in translational medicine.