The 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) antibody is a key tool for studying the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, which plays a central role in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes (LTs), lipid mediators involved in inflammatory and immune responses. 5-LO catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to leukotriene A4 (LTA4), a precursor for pro-inflammatory leukotrienes like LTB4 and cysteinyl-LTs (LTC4. LTD4. LTE4). These molecules are implicated in asthma, allergic reactions, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer progression. Antibodies targeting 5-LO are widely used in research to detect its expression, localization, and regulation in cells and tissues, aiding in understanding its pathophysiological roles.
5-LO antibodies are typically developed against specific epitopes of the enzyme, often validated for applications such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and flow cytometry. Their specificity allows researchers to study 5-LO expression patterns in immune cells (e.g., neutrophils, macrophages), epithelial cells, and cancer cells. Dysregulation of 5-LO activity is linked to chronic inflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis, and certain cancers, making these antibodies valuable for exploring therapeutic targets. Additionally, they help assess the efficacy of 5-LO inhibitors in preclinical models. Cross-reactivity with 5-LO orthologs in different species (e.g., human, mouse, rat) is often characterized to support translational studies. Proper validation using knockout controls or siRNA-mediated silencing ensures antibody reliability. Overall, 5-LO antibodies are indispensable for dissecting leukotriene-driven pathways and developing anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer strategies.