The WFDC3 (WAP Four-Disulfide Core Domain 3) antibody is a tool used to study the WFDC3 protein, a member of the WAP-type protease inhibitor family. WFDC3 contains a conserved WAP domain, a structural motif characterized by eight cysteine residues forming four disulfide bonds, which is associated with protease inhibition or antimicrobial functions. While its exact biological role remains under investigation, WFDC3 is speculated to participate in regulating proteolytic processes in tissues such as the reproductive tract, respiratory system, or epididymis, where other WFDC proteins are known to modulate immune responses, sperm maturation, or epithelial defense.
WFDC3 antibodies are primarily employed in research to detect, quantify, and localize the protein in cellular or tissue samples. They enable applications like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, aiding in elucidating WFDC3's expression patterns and potential interactions. Emerging studies suggest WFDC3 may be linked to diseases, including cancers (e.g., ovarian or prostate) and inflammatory conditions, where dysregulated protease activity contributes to pathogenesis. However, its functional significance and clinical relevance require further validation. Commercially available WFDC3 antibodies vary in specificity and host species, necessitating careful validation to ensure minimal cross-reactivity with homologous WFDC proteins. Continued research using these antibodies could uncover WFDC3's role in tissue homeostasis, disease mechanisms, or therapeutic targeting.