CFLAR Antibodies

CFLAR antibodies are specialized immunoglobulins that target the CFLAR protein, also known as c-FLIP (cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein). CFLAR is a key regulator of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway and acts as an inhibitor of caspase-8 activation. By modulating cell death signals, CFLAR plays a significant role in cell survival, immune responses, and resistance to apoptosis, particularly in cancer cells. 

Content

CFLAR (c-FLIP) is a protein that shares structural similarities with caspase-8 but lacks proteolytic activity, which allows it to act as a competitive inhibitor at the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). When death receptors, such as Fas (CD95) or TRAIL receptors, are activated by their ligands, CFLAR can bind to the DISC, preventing the recruitment and activation of caspase-8. 

Applications

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Researchers use CFLAR antibodies in IHC to visualize the localization and distribution of CFLAR within tissues. This technique is particularly useful for studying the role of CFLAR in tumor samples, where its overexpression might correlate with resistance to chemotherapy and disease progression.
• Flow Cytometry: CFLAR antibodies can be used in flow cytometric assays to analyze the expression of CFLAR at the single-cell level. This application is beneficial for examining how CFLAR regulates apoptosis in different cell populations, including immune cells and cancer cells.
• Immunoprecipitation: CFLAR antibodies are employed to isolate CFLAR and its associated protein complexes from cell extracts. This enables the study of protein-protein interactions within the DISC, helping to unravel the mechanisms by which CFLAR modulates apoptotic signaling pathways.
• Cancer Research and Drug Development: Due to its role in inhibiting apoptosis, CFLAR is a key focus in cancer research. Elevated levels of CFLAR in cancer cells are associated with resistance to apoptosis-inducing therapies. CFLAR antibodies are used to investigate the mechanisms behind this resistance and to develop strategies for targeting CFLAR to restore the sensitivity of cancer cells to apoptotic signals.

CFLAR antibodies are essential tools for understanding the balance between cell survival and death, particularly in the context of cancer and immune regulation. Their use in various experimental techniques provides critical insights into the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis inhibition, supporting the development of targeted therapies for diseases characterized by abnormal cell survival, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.