Anti-MDA5 Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody for WB, ELISA - Q9BYX4

Core Product Specifications and Parameters

Biological Background: MDA5 Function and Localization

• MDA5 (IFIH1), also known as Helicard, RLR-2, or melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5, is a member of the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) family of cytoplasmic DExD/H-box RNA helicases.
• It serves as an innate immune sensor of viral nucleic acids and plays a major role in initiating antiviral responses, including induction of type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines (PubMed:28594402, PubMed:32169843, PubMed:33727702). Related references: PMID:28594402 PMID:32169843 PMID:33727702
• MDA5 recognizes long double-stranded RNA (>1 kb in length) and mRNA lacking 2'-O-methylation at their 5' cap as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PubMed:22160685). Related references: PMID:22160685
• Upon ligand engagement, MDA5 associates with the mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein MAVS, triggering TBK1/IKBKE kinase activation and IRF3/IRF7 phosphorylation to drive interferon gene transcription.
• This receptor detects a broad spectrum of viruses, including picornaviruses such as EMCV and rhinovirus, flaviviruses like dengue and West Nile virus, reovirus, vaccinia virus, and the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (PubMed:28606988, PubMed:33440148, PubMed:33514628). Related references: PMID:28606988 PMID:33440148 PMID:33514628
• Subcellularly, MDA5 is found in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria.
• It is widely expressed at low levels, with relatively higher abundance in placenta, pancreas, and spleen, and barely detectable in brain, testis, and lung.
• MDA5 is a phosphoprotein and contains CARD domains, an ATP-dependent DExD/H-box helicase domain, and a C-terminal domain; it is subject to regulatory ubiquitination.

Experimental Guidance and Technical Tips

• The immunogen used to generate this antibody encompasses amino acids 277–490 of human IFIH1; it may detect the full-length protein (~117 kDa) as well as potential shorter isoforms or cleavage products.
• For Western blotting, consider using lysates from interferon-stimulated or virus-infected human cells to upregulate MDA5 expression. Include appropriate positive and negative controls and verify band sizes relative to predicted molecular weights.
• When performing ELISA, optimize coating and detection conditions using the antibody in combination with appropriate recombinant or native MDA5 standards; cross-reactivity with other RLR family members should be assessed.
• As with any polyclonal antibody, lot-to-lot variability can affect performance; we recommend titrating and validating each new lot in your specific assay system.

CamelBio: Your One-Stop Sourcing Bridge

CamelBio provides one-stop access to IVD raw materials, technical services, and consulting to support diagnostic development from concept to clinic. Our portfolio includes validated polyclonal antibodies like this anti-MDA5 antibody for innate immunity research, and we can source antibody pairs, bulk ancillary reagents, and rare targets through our global network. Let CamelBio accelerate your assay development with reliable, supply-chain integrated raw materials.