SLC44A2 (Solute Carrier Family 44 Member 2), also known as CTL2. is a transmembrane protein encoded by the *SLC44A2* gene. It belongs to the choline transporter-like protein family and is involved in choline uptake, lipid metabolism, and cellular signaling. SLC44A2 is widely expressed in various tissues, including the placenta, kidneys, and immune cells, and is notably present on the surface of erythrocytes and epithelial cells.
Antibodies targeting SLC44A2 have gained attention due to their clinical relevance in transfusion medicine and autoimmune disorders. In transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), anti-SLC44A2 antibodies (often of maternal origin) can bind to antigens on transfused neutrophils or endothelial cells, triggering inflammatory responses. Additionally, SLC44A2 antibodies are linked to pregnancy complications, such as neonatal alloimmune neutropenia, where maternal antibodies cross the placenta and target fetal neutrophils.
Research also explores SLC44A2’s role in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, as altered choline transport may influence cell proliferation or neuronal health. Commercial SLC44A2 antibodies are utilized in immunoassays, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry to study protein expression patterns and functional mechanisms. However, variability in antibody specificity and cross-reactivity remains a challenge, emphasizing the need for rigorous validation in experimental models. Understanding SLC44A2 antibody interactions continues to inform therapeutic strategies and diagnostic tools for immune-mediated conditions.