The CHI3L2 antibody targets the chitinase-3-like protein 2 (CHI3L2), a glycoprotein belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase family 18. CHI3L2. also known as YKL-39. shares structural homology with chitinases but lacks enzymatic activity due to amino acid substitutions in its catalytic domain. It is implicated in extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, and tissue repair, with roles in both physiological and pathological processes. Elevated CHI3L2 expression is associated with diseases such as osteoarthritis, melanoma, and glioblastoma, where it may promote cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune modulation.
CHI3L2 antibodies are primarily used in research to study its biological functions and disease mechanisms. These antibodies enable detection and quantification of CHI3L2 in tissues and biofluids via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Studies suggest CHI3L2 as a potential biomarker for disease progression, particularly in osteoarthritis, where synovial fluid levels correlate with cartilage degradation. In cancer, CHI3L2 overexpression is linked to tumor invasiveness and poor prognosis, making it a therapeutic target of interest.
The development of CHI3L2 antibodies has also advanced investigations into its interaction with signaling pathways, such as integrin-mediated cascades and MAPK/ERK activation. Despite progress, its precise mechanisms remain incompletely understood, necessitating further research. Therapeutic strategies exploring CHI3L2 inhibition or neutralization using monoclonal antibodies are under preclinical evaluation, highlighting its translational relevance in chronic inflammatory and neoplastic disorders.