KIM Antibodies

KIM Antibody refers to antibodies developed to target Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1), also known as Hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 1 (HAVCR1). KIM-1 is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein primarily expressed in the kidney's proximal tubule cells. It is considered a key biomarker for renal injury and is upregulated in response to various forms of kidney damage, including acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and nephrotoxic drug exposure.

Content of KIM Antibody

KIM Antibodies are generated by immunizing animals, typically rabbits or mice, with purified or recombinant KIM-1 protein or peptide sequences from its extracellular domain. These antibodies are available as:

• Polyclonal antibodies: These antibodies recognize multiple epitopes on the KIM-1 protein, offering a broad detection spectrum in assays like ELISA and Western blotting.
• Monoclonal antibodies: These recognize a single epitope on KIM-1, providing higher specificity and reproducibility for diagnostic and research applications.

Application of KIM Antibody

KIM Antibodies are pivotal in renal research, diagnostics, and drug toxicity studies. Common applications include:

• Flow Cytometry: In flow cytometric studies, KIM Antibodies conjugated to fluorophores are used to quantify KIM-1 expression on the surface of tubular epithelial cells. This application is essential in studying how renal epithelial cells respond to injury and how KIM-1 contributes to the immune response, including macrophage-mediated phagocytosis.
• Nephrotoxicity Studies: KIM Antibodies are used in preclinical drug testing to detect KIM-1 expression in models of drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Because KIM-1 is highly sensitive to renal injury, its detection in animal models serves as an early indicator of drug-induced kidney damage. KIM Antibodies are also applied to study protective treatments that mitigate nephrotoxicity.
• Kidney Disease Biomarker Research: KIM-1 is an established biomarker for acute kidney injury and is under investigation for its role in predicting the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). KIM Antibodies are employed in clinical and translational research to validate KIM-1 as a biomarker for early detection of renal dysfunction, disease prognosis, and response to therapy.
• Cancer Research: In addition to its role in kidney injury, KIM-1 has been linked to certain cancers, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). KIM Antibodies are used to study the role of KIM-1 in tumor progression, angiogenesis, and immune evasion, providing insights into its potential as a therapeutic target or diagnostic biomarker in oncology.

KIM Antibodies are invaluable tools in renal research and diagnostics. Their applications range from studying kidney injury mechanisms to detecting nephrotoxicity in drug development and assessing kidney disease biomarkers in clinical settings.