Rabbit Polyclonal CGB/HCG-Beta Antibody

The CGB/HCG-beta antibody targets the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a glycoprotein hormone critical in pregnancy and certain cancers. HCG comprises two subunits: alpha (shared with LH, FSH, and TSH) and a unique beta subunit (HCG-β) encoded by the *CGB* gene cluster (*CGB3*, *CGB5*, etc.). Antibodies against HCG-β are essential for its detection due to its specificity compared to the common alpha subunit. Clinically, these antibodies underpin diagnostic tests for early pregnancy, monitoring gestational trophoblastic diseases (e.g., hydatidiform moles, choriocarcinoma), and assessing some cancers (e.g., bladder, ovarian) that ectopically express HCG. They are also used in reproductive research and oncology to study HCG's role in trophoblast invasion, angiogenesis, and tumor progression. Early polyclonal antibodies faced cross-reactivity issues with LH due to structural similarities, but modern monoclonal and recombinant antibodies now offer high specificity. Advanced platforms like ELISA, immunochromatographic assays, and immunohistochemistry rely on these antibodies for sensitivity and accuracy. Recent innovations, including epitope mapping and engineered nanobodies, further enhance diagnostic precision. Beyond diagnostics, HCG-beta antibodies are tools in therapeutic research, such as targeting HCG-expressing tumors. Their development reflects decades of interplay between reproductive biology, immunology, and oncology, underscoring their importance in both clinical practice and biomedical research.