Carboxylesterase 2 (CES2) is a key enzyme belonging to the carboxylesterase family, primarily involved in hydrolyzing ester-containing compounds, including prodrugs, environmental toxins, and endogenous lipids. It is highly expressed in the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys, playing a critical role in drug metabolism, lipid homeostasis, and detoxification. CES2 has gained attention for its role in activating anticancer prodrugs like irinotecan, where its activity directly impacts therapeutic efficacy and toxicity.
CES2 antibodies are essential tools for studying the enzyme's expression, localization, and function in both physiological and pathological contexts. They enable researchers to investigate tissue-specific expression patterns, correlate enzyme levels with disease progression (e.g., in colorectal cancer or liver disorders), and assess interindividual variability in drug responses. Such antibodies are typically validated for applications like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA.
Challenges in CES2 antibody development include ensuring specificity due to structural similarities with other carboxylesterases, particularly CES1. High-quality antibodies must distinguish between isoforms to avoid cross-reactivity, which is critical for accurate diagnostic or research outcomes. Ongoing research focuses on refining antibody specificity and exploring CES2's potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target in metabolic diseases and oncology.