**Background of CTSF Antibody**
Cathepsin F (CTSF), a member of the cysteine protease family, is a lysosomal enzyme involved in protein degradation and antigen processing. It plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by participating in the lysosomal proteolytic cascade, which regulates processes like apoptosis, autophagy, and immune response. CTSF is synthesized as an inactive precursor that undergoes proteolytic cleavage in lysosomes to become enzymatically active. Dysregulation of CTSF has been linked to various pathologies, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis), and inflammatory diseases, highlighting its importance in both physiological and pathological contexts.
CTSF antibodies are essential tools for studying the expression, localization, and function of this protease in biological systems. They are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to detect CTSF in tissue samples or cell lines. These antibodies also aid in exploring CTSF's role in disease mechanisms, such as tumor progression or lysosomal storage disorders, and in evaluating its potential as a therapeutic target or diagnostic biomarker. Research utilizing CTSF antibodies continues to advance understanding of lysosomal dysfunction and its implications in human health and disease.