**Background of LIF Antibody**
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine belonging to the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family, initially identified for its ability to inhibit the proliferation of myeloid leukemia cells. It exerts diverse biological roles, including regulating embryonic stem cell pluripotency, neural development, bone metabolism, and inflammatory responses. LIF signals through a heterodimeric receptor complex comprising the LIF receptor (LIFR) and glycoprotein 130 (gp130), activating downstream pathways such as JAK/STAT, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT.
LIF antibodies are tools designed to detect, quantify, or neutralize LIF in experimental and therapeutic contexts. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are widely used in techniques like ELISA, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry to study LIF expression and localization in tissues or cell cultures. Neutralizing LIF antibodies, which block LIF-receptor interactions, are explored in preclinical research for targeting diseases driven by aberrant LIF signaling, such as certain cancers, autoimmune disorders, and fibrosis.
Elevated LIF levels are implicated in tumor progression, cachexia, and chronic inflammation, making it a potential therapeutic target. Conversely, LIF's role in tissue repair and stem cell maintenance also highlights its therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine. Research on LIF antibodies continues to advance understanding of LIF's dual roles in health and disease, bridging fundamental biology with translational applications.