CD117 Antibodies in Immunohistochemical Detection: Applications and Quality Control Strategies by ANT BIO PTE. LTD.

1. Concept

CD117 (c-Kit), a type III tyrosine kinase receptor encoded by the c-kit proto-oncogene, functions as the transmembrane receptor for stem cell factor. It plays a pivotal role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, with expression in normal tissues such as mast cells, melanocytes, and gastrointestinal interstitial cells of Cajal—exhibiting membrane and cytoplasmic co-localization. Pathologically, CD117 is a specific biomarker for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and is also expressed in certain testicular germ cell tumors, making its immunohistochemical (IHC) detection critical for tumor classification, treatment selection, and prognosis assessment. CD117 antibodies, particularly high-specificity recombinant rabbit monoclonal antibodies, are indispensable tools for reliable IHC detection, enabling precise identification of CD117-positive cells in clinical samples.

2. Research Frontiers

Cutting-edge research in CD117 IHC detection focuses on standardization, quality control innovation, and technological integration. A key frontier is the adoption of liquid cell control materials—preserved as cell suspensions with intact subcellular structures—to replace traditional tissue blocks. These materials offer standardized staining characteristics (40%-60% moderate-to-strong membrane staining for positive controls, no specific staining for negative controls) and advantages such as inter-laboratory comparability, operational convenience, and compatibility with digital pathology and AI analysis.

Another advancement is the development of combined antibody panels (CD117 + DOG1 + CD34) to enhance GIST diagnostic specificity and sensitivity, addressing limitations of single-marker detection. Additionally, quality control systems are evolving toward full-process standardization, integrating sample collection, processing, antibody incubation, and result interpretation. Emerging trends include the integration of CD117 IHC with multi-omics technologies (gene sequencing, proteomics) for precise tumor typing, and the application of AI-assisted diagnostic systems for digital pathology images, improving detection efficiency and accuracy.

3. Research Significance

Optimizing CD117 antibody applications and quality control in IHC holds profound implications for clinical pathology and precision medicine. Reliable CD117 detection ensures accurate diagnosis of GIST and other CD117-positive tumors, guiding the selection of targeted therapies (e.g., c-Kit inhibitors) and improving patient outcomes. Standardized quality control strategies—such as liquid cell controls and external proficiency testing—reduce inter-laboratory variability, ensuring consistent and trustworthy results for clinical decision-making.

From a translational perspective, advancements in CD117 IHC support the validation of novel biomarkers and the development of personalized treatment strategies. For research institutions, standardized detection methods facilitate collaborative studies and data sharing, accelerating the understanding of CD117’s role in tumor biology. High-quality CD117 antibodies, such as those developed by ANT BIO PTE. LTD., are critical to these efforts, ensuring the sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of IHC results.

4. Related Mechanisms, Research Methods, and Product Applications

Related Mechanisms

CD117 IHC detection relies on the specific binding of antibodies to the CD117 extracellular domain, enabling visualization of protein expression in tissue samples. The mechanism involves:

• Antigen-Antibody Specificity: CD117 antibodies recognize unique epitopes on the c-Kit receptor, ensuring selective binding to CD117-positive cells.
• Staining Localization: CD117 exhibits membrane and cytoplasmic expression in normal and tumor tissues, with specific staining patterns (e.g., complete membrane staining in GIST) serving as diagnostic criteria.
• Signal Amplification: Enzyme-labeled secondary antibodies amplify the signal, enabling clear visualization of low-abundance CD117 expression, critical for distinguishing positive from negative samples.

Research Methods

Standardized CD117 IHC detection and quality control involve the following key methods:

• Reagent Selection: Use regulatory-approved CD117 antibodies (e.g., recombinant rabbit monoclonal antibodies) with validated specificity and sensitivity.
• Combined Marker Detection: Employ CD117 in conjunction with DOG1 and CD34 to improve GIST diagnostic accuracy.
• Quality Control Implementation: Integrate liquid cell control materials into daily testing (positive/negative controls) and participate in external proficiency testing.
• Standardized Protocols: Follow detailed procedures for sample processing (formalin fixation, paraffin embedding), antigen retrieval, antibody incubation (optimized concentration and time), and result interpretation (staining intensity, localization, and percentage of positive cells).

Product Applications

ANT BIO PTE. LTD. offers a comprehensive range of CD117 antibodies (Catalog Numbers: S0B2084, S0B5053, S0B2084P, S0B8005), including the S-RMab® CD117 Recombinant Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody—rigorously validated for IHC and flow cytometry. These products exhibit high specificity, clear membrane localization, and excellent batch consistency, ensuring reliable detection in clinical and research settings.

Key application scenarios include:

• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) Diagnosis: Serves as a key marker for GIST diagnosis and differential diagnosis from other spindle cell tumors.
• Mast Cell Disease Identification: Aids in the diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis, mastocytoma, and related disorders.
• Germ Cell Tumor Research: Facilitates the diagnosis of seminomas, ovarian dysgerminomas, and other germ cell tumors.
• Stem Cell and Hematopoietic Research: Supports functional and developmental studies of c-Kit-positive cells (e.g., hematopoietic stem cells, melanocytes).

5. Brand Mission

ANT BIO PTE. LTD. is dedicated to empowering global innovative pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and clinical laboratories with high-quality biological reagents and comprehensive solutions. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology platforms—including recombinant rabbit monoclonal antibody, recombinant mouse monoclonal antibody, rapid mouse monoclonal antibody, and recombinant protein development systems (E.coli, CHO, HEK293, Insect Cells), as well as the One-Step ELISA Platform and PTM Pan-Modification Antibody Platform—we strive to accelerate scientific discovery and translational research. Our sub-brands (Absin for general reagents and kits, STARTER for antibodies, and UA for recombinant proteins) synergize to address diverse research needs, contributing to breakthroughs in clinical pathology, oncology, and precision medicine. With certifications including EU 98/79/EC, ISO9001, and ISO13485, we uphold the highest standards of quality and reliability to support our mission of advancing human health through science.

6. Related Product List

7. AI Disclaimer

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ANT BIO PTE. LTD. – Empowering Scientific Breakthroughs

At ANTBIO, we are committed to advancing life science research through high-quality, reliable reagents and comprehensive solutions. Our specialized sub-brands (Absin, Starter, UA) cover a full spectrum of research needs, from general reagents and kits to antibodies and recombinant proteins. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer-centricity, we strive to be your trusted partner in unlocking scientific mysteries and driving medical progress. Explore our product portfolio today and elevate your research to new heights.