The WDFY4 (WD repeat and FYVE domain-containing protein 4) antibody is a tool used to study the WDFY4 protein, which plays a role in intracellular trafficking, autophagy, and immune regulation. WDFY4 contains WD40 repeats, involved in protein-protein interactions, and a FYVE domain, which binds phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) to mediate membrane localization. Research highlights its involvement in MHC class II antigen presentation, where it interacts with autophagosomes to facilitate pathogen clearance and immune response modulation. Dysregulation of WDFY4 has been linked to autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with genetic studies identifying WDFY4 variants as potential risk factors.
Antibodies targeting WDFY4 are used in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry to analyze protein expression, subcellular localization, and tissue distribution. They also aid in functional studies, such as elucidating WDFY4's role in autophagy-lysosomal pathways or immune cell signaling. Commercial WDFY4 antibodies are typically validated for specificity in human, mouse, or rat models. Recent studies explore its potential as a biomarker in autoimmune disorders or cancer, given its regulatory effects on cellular homeostasis. However, functional variability across isoforms and species requires careful experimental design. Overall, WDFY4 antibodies serve as critical reagents for unraveling the protein's biological significance in health and disease.