Chemokine antibodies are widely used in clinical research. The chemokines are a superfamily of small proinflammatory cytokines which play an important role in the immune response, activating certain leukocytes and acting as chemoattractants. Many new chemokine proteins have been discovered in recent years, resulting in a large antibody database.
The chemokines are divided into four subgroups based on the arrangement of their conserved cysteine residues. These are the C, CC, CXC and CX3C cytokines. SDF-1 (stromal cell-derived factor-1) is a small cytokine belonging to the CXC group of intercrines, also known by its official designation of Chemokine (CXC motif) ligand 12, or CXCL12. Its function is to activate certain leukocytes in the inflammatory response. Antibody studies have shown it may be induced by proinflammatory factors such as TNF, IL1 and liposaccharides.
Recently Robyn Klein et al, of Washington University School of Medicine used SDF-1 antibodies in a study which showed a drug being developed for use in chemotherapy may block one of the key events in the development of multiple sclerosis, or MS. The misdirection of immune cells into the brain is believed to be a root cause of MS. Following recent antibody research which threw new light on the way the brain regulates entry of immune cells, the scientists developed a mouse model for MS.
Earlier studies by Klein had identified CXCL12 on the surface of brain microvasculature cells.The new study showed CXCL12 acts as a chemical barrier,localizing immune cells for evaluation before they enter the brain.Unless there is infection,a chemical “stairway” of checkpoints would prevent their entry.However,Klein discovered that in MS,CXCL12 is translocated into the cell,thus removing this safety barrier.Further antibody studies showed the SDF-1 receptor,CXCR7,to be involved.By using a CXCR7 blocker being developed for cancer treatment,migration of immune cells into the brain was halted at the meninges.We at Novus Biologicals have a wide range of chemokine antibodies in our antibody catalog,which is constantly being updated.