Anti-APO-E Antibody

Chylomicron remnants and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) remnants are rapidly removed from the circulation by receptor-mediated endocytosis in the liver. Apolipoprotein E (APO-E), a main apoprotein of the chylomicron, binds to a specific receptor on liver cells and peripheral cells and is essential for the normal catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein constituents. Defects in APO-E result in familial dysbetalipoproteinemia, or type III hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP III), in which increased plasma cholesterol and triglycerides are the consequence of impaired clearance of chylomicron and VLDL remnants.

APO-E antibody was raised against a 19 amino acid peptide near the carboxy terminus of human APO-E. The immunogen is located within amino acids 220 - 270 of APO-E.

Occurs in all lipoprotein fractions in plasma. It constitutes 10-20% of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and 1-2% of high density lipoproteins (HDL) . APOE is produced in most organs. Significant quantities are produced in liver, brain, spleen, lung, adrenal, ovary, kidney and muscle.

Mediates the binding, internalization, and catabolism of lipoprotein particles. It can serve as a ligand for the LDL (apo B/E) receptor and for the specific apo-E receptor (chylomicron remnant) of hepatic tissues.