The IKZF2 antibody targets the IKAROS family zinc finger 2 (IKZF2) protein, a transcription factor encoded by the *IKZF2* gene. Also known as Helios, IKZF2 belongs to the IKAROS family of proteins (IKZF1-5), which regulate hematopoietic development, immune cell differentiation, and lymphocyte function. Structurally, IKZF2 contains zinc finger domains that mediate DNA binding and protein-protein interactions, enabling its role in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation.
Primarily expressed in regulatory T cells (Tregs), IKZF2 is implicated in maintaining immune tolerance by stabilizing Treg suppressive functions and preventing autoimmunity. It also influences T cell activation and differentiation in both physiological and pathological contexts. Dysregulation of IKZF2 has been associated with autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiency, and cancers, particularly hematological malignancies like leukemia and lymphoma. For instance, aberrant IKZF2 expression may contribute to tumor immune evasion or therapy resistance.
IKZF2-specific antibodies are vital tools for studying protein expression, localization, and function in research settings. They are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry to explore IKZF2’s role in immune regulation, cancer biology, and therapeutic targeting. Recent studies also investigate IKZF2 as a biomarker or therapeutic target in CAR-T cell therapies and immune checkpoint modulation. Despite progress, its tissue-specific roles and interaction networks remain areas of active investigation, underscoring the importance of IKZF2 antibodies in advancing translational immunology and oncology research.