NAA Services for Anti-α Fetoprotein (AFP)

Creative Biolabs is a leading company for the concept of NAA (natural autoantibodies) research. With years of experience and high-end technologies, we have successfully developed a series of innovative and diversified NAA platforms to provide the best services and solutions for our customers. AFP is a serum protein produced by hepatocytes and the levels of AFP are used as a tumor indicator for hepatomas and germ cell tumors. We are now providing a wide range of anti-AFP marker services for diseases diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring.

Background of Anti-α Fetoprotein

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP, α-fetoprotein) is a major human serum protein which encoded by the AFP gene and is located on the q arm of chromosome 4 (4q25). It is produced by the fetal yolk sac, liver, and gastrointestinal tract during the early stage of fetal development. The protein is thought to be a member of albumin gene families and is highly homologous to serum albumin, alpha albumin, and vitamin D binding proteins. AFP is found in monomeric as well as dimeric and trimeric forms, it can be a transport molecule for several ligands, such as bilirubin, fatty acids, retinoid, steroids, heavy metals, dyes, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, dioxin, and various drugs. AFP exists in various forms of carbohydrate chain structures which give rise to AFP heteroplasmon. The levels of AFP is highest in the human fetus while decrease rapidly after birth. The expression of AFP in adults is often associated with hepatoma or teratoma. However, hereditary persistence of AFP may also be found in individuals with no obvious pathology.

The Role of Anti-α Fetoprotein in Primary Liver Cancer

Primary liver cancer is one of the most difficult tumors to diagnose because of its variable presentation. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant type of liver cancers in the world with less effective therapy. As an oncofetal antigen and diagnostic target for liver cancer, AFP possesses a variety of biological functions. It is a secreted glycoprotein that is commonly overexpressed in tumors of endodermal origin including pediatric hepatoblastoma and HCC, making it an ideal target for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy. Except for its diagnosis in liver cancer, AFP has become a target for liver cancer immunotherapy. Despite the weak immunogenicity, AFP could induce the immune escapes through inhibiting the function of dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and T lymphocytes, which has attracted more attention in liver cancer immunotherapy. By in vitro modification, the immunogenicity and immune response of AFP could be enhanced. Anti-AFP antibody and AFP-modified immune cell vaccine or peptide vaccine have displayed the specific antitumor immunity against AFP-positive tumor cells and laid a better foundation for the immunotherapy of liver cancer.

A model depicting the parallels between proposed HCC subtypes and normal human liver cell lineage. Fig.1 A model depicting the parallels between proposed HCC subtypes and normal human liver cell lineage. (Yamashita, 2008)

What We Can Do About NAA?

NAA are autoreactive antibodies that arise independently of antigenic or mitogenic stimulation and can be detected in the sera of healthy humans and animals. With the help of our well-established platforms and experienced scientists, customers can obtain comprehensive NAA services ranging from NAA detection, NAA profiling, to NAA epitope mapping at Creative Biolabs. A wide spectrum of NAA products is available for your choice.

Features of Our NAA Services

Creative Biolabs is a highly proactive, robust and diversified company with a strong, scientifically-proven background of NAA research. We are capable to provide the largest and diversiform portfolio products and services about NAA. We can also provide a full range of custom services based on the requirements of the clients to meet the specific demand. Please contact us for more information.

Reference:

  1. Yamashita, T.; et al. EpCAM and α-fetoprotein expression define novel prognostic subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Research. 2008, 68(5): 1451-1458.
For Research Use Only | Not For Clinical Use

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