We at Novus Biologicals recently added two new MCP1 antibodies to our antibody catalog. MCP1, also known as MCAF (monocyte chemotactic and activating factor) is released by a diverse range of cell types as part of the inflammatory response. A member of the SIG (small inducible gene) family, it is selective for monocytes and basophils, mainly to recruit monocytes to injury and infection sites.
In a pathological role, MPC1 is implicated in various diseases in which monocytic infiltrates are expressed, such as atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated levels have been found in joints of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, where antibody studies suggest its function is to recruit macrophages and stimulate inflammation within the joints. Elevated levels have also been found in the urine of lupus sufferers, pointing to its role in kidney inflammation.
However, studies have also shown MCP1 to play a role in augmenting monocytic anti-tumor activity. In 2003, the Cancer Gene Therapy online journal reported the enhanced anti-tumor effects of adenovirus-expressed MCP1 against hepatocellular carcinomas. At that time, “suicide gene” cancer therapy using an HSV-tk/GCV (herplex simplex virus/ganciclovir) system was showing limited success. Antibody studies were therefore conducted to see if the anti-tumor action could be enhanced by expressing HSV-tk and MCP-1 genes, using rAD (recombinant adenovirus vector). The results suggested MCP1 could enhance the anti-tumor effects of gene therapy by macrophage activation. MCP-1 production coincided with raised levels of macrophages and TNF (tumor necrotizing factor). Furthermore, deactivation of macrophages negated the anti-tumor effect. Additionally, in vivo mouse studies, using MCP1 antibody products, have shown that MCP1 vaccination promotes monocyte and killer cell migration into human tumor cells.
Novus Biologicals offers many MCP1 reagents for your research needs including: