BACE1 (β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1), also known as β-secretase 1. is a transmembrane aspartic protease critical in the production of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. It initiates the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP), generating Aβ fragments that aggregate into plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Due to its pivotal role in Aβ pathogenesis, BACE1 has been a major therapeutic target for AD. However, developing small-molecule BACE1 inhibitors has faced challenges, including off-target effects and limited blood-brain barrier penetration.
BACE1 antibodies are immunodetection tools designed to target specific epitopes of the enzyme, enabling researchers to study its expression, localization, and activity in biological samples. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA to quantify BACE1 levels in tissues or cell cultures, assess its regulation under pathological conditions, and evaluate drug efficacy in preclinical models. Monoclonal antibodies offer high specificity, while polyclonal variants detect multiple epitopes, enhancing sensitivity for diverse applications.
Therapeutically, BACE1-blocking antibodies are being explored to inhibit Aβ production without directly crossing the blood-brain barrier, potentially reducing side effects. However, their clinical utility remains under investigation, as prolonged BACE1 suppression may disrupt physiological functions in peripheral tissues. Research continues to optimize antibody design for precision targeting and improved safety profiles. Overall, BACE1 antibodies serve as indispensable tools for both AD research and the development of next-generation therapeutics.