Caspase 8 Antibody (small subunit)

Overview

Caspase 8 Antibody (small subunit) is a research-use antibody directed against CASPASE 8. It is supplied for use in common immunoassay contexts such as WB, ELISA (RUO).

Key elements and design rationale

• Target: CASPASE 8.
• Description (provided): CASP8 is also known as CAP4, MACH or MCH5.
• Antibody type: Rabbit, Polyclonal (rabbit origin), Rabbit IgG.
• Format: Antigen affinity purified; Antigen affinity purified.
• Reported/predicted localization: Cytoplasm.
• Species reactivity: tested: Human, Mouse, Rat.
• Immunogen (if provided): A recombinant human protein corresponding to amino acids Q389-D479 was used as the immunogen for the Caspase 8 antibody. This sequence is from the small subunit..

The information above helps you match the antibody format to your assay context, interpret species-dependent differences, and anticipate how epitope context (isoforms, PTMs, or conformational state) may influence signal.

Biological background

CASP8 is also known as CAP4, MACH or MCH5. This gene encodes a member of the cysteine-aspartic acid protease (caspase) family. Sequential activation of caspases plays a central role in the execution-phase of cell apoptosis. Caspases exist as inactive proenzymes composed of a prodomain, a large protease subunit, and a small protease subunit. Activation of caspases requires proteolytic processing at conserved internal aspartic residues to generate a heterodimeric enzyme consisting of the large and small subunits. This protein is involved in the programmed cell death induced by Fas and various apoptotic stimuli. The N-terminal FADD-like death effector domain of this protein suggests that it may interact with Fas-interacting protein FADD. In addtion, this protein was detected in the insoluble fraction of the affected brain region from Huntington disease patients but not in those from normal controls, which implicated the role in neurodegenerative diseases. Many alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described, although not all variants have had their full-length sequences determined.

For curated annotations (gene/protein naming, domains, isoforms, and pathway links) for CASPASE 8, consult primary databases such as UniProt, NCBI Gene, and Ensembl.

Research relevance and current trends

• Context-dependent expression studies: researchers often examine CASPASE 8 abundance and localization across perturbations (genetic, pharmacologic, or environmental) to connect phenotype to molecular changes.
• Reagent reproducibility: there is growing emphasis on antibody specificity checks using orthogonal approaches (e.g., genetic perturbation or independent antibodies) and transparent reporting of clone/lot information.
• Multi-modal datasets: antibody-based readouts are increasingly combined with transcriptomics and imaging to relate protein-level measurements to cell-state transitions.

Common research applications

• Western blotting (immunoblot) for relative detection of target protein abundance and apparent molecular weight.
• ELISA-based detection or quantification in research assays (format- and epitope-dependent).

When comparing conditions, interpret changes in signal in the context of sample composition, expected localization, and any known isoform complexity for the target.

Notes for experimental interpretation

• Isoforms and PTMs: alternative splicing or post-translational modifications can change epitope accessibility and apparent molecular weight; interpret bands/signals accordingly.
• Cross-reactivity and matrix effects: background binding can vary by sample type, species, and blocking/detection chemistries; include appropriate negative controls.
• Control concepts: where feasible, use genetic perturbation (KO/KD/overexpression), orthogonal assays, or independent antibodies to support specificity claims.

Antibody considerations: Polyclonal reagents may recognize multiple epitopes and can increase sensitivity but may show broader binding profiles, while monoclonal clones provide a single-epitope readout that can improve consistency across experiments. If a conjugate is listed, the antibody supports more direct detection workflows; otherwise, it is typically used with a compatible secondary antibody.

Customization & Add-ons: Can’t find the antibody you need—or require a custom format for your assay? We can help you source the best match or support custom antibody solutions for diverse research needs, including species and isotype selection, conjugations and labeling (e.g., HRP/AP, biotin, fluorophores), purification grade options (Protein A/G, affinity purified), formulation preferences (buffer selection, carrier-free, glycerol-free), custom concentrations and aliquoting, low-endotoxin options for cell-based work, and application-focused QC/validation support (project dependent). Click Talk to a Scientist to submit a request, email us at support@biohippo.com, or explore our Research Services for additional support—our team will follow up with feasibility details and next steps.