ZBP1 antibody

Background of ZBP1 antibody

Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP-1) belongs to a family of proteins that contain the Zalpha domain, which binds specifically to left-handed Z-DNA and Z-RAN. Vertebrate ZBPs are induced by immunostimulation and are involved in host defense mechanisms. ZBP-1 initiates an innate immune response by binding to foreign DNA in the cytosol. ZBP-1 mediates activation of the innate immune system by facilitating DNA-mediated induction of type-1 IFN and expression of other related genes. Human ZBP-1 is most prominently expressed in lymphatic tissues. Besides its function in immunoresponse, it is up-regulated in mouse tumor stromal cells and is speculated to play a role in host defense again tumors. 
Structure: 429 amino acids with predicted molecular weight of 46.3 kD.
Distribution: Cytosol.
Function: Participates in the detection of DNA from viral, bacterial, and host origin by the host's innate immune system. Plays a role in host defense against tumors and pathogens. Acts as a cytoplasmic DNA sensor which, when activated, induces the recruitment of TBK1 and IRF3 to its C-terminal region and activates the downstream interferon regulatory factor (IRF) and NF-kappa B transcription factors, leading to type-I interferon production.