The neurofilament heavy chain (NEFH) antibody is a critical tool in neuroscience research, targeting the heavy subunit of neurofilaments (NFs), which are major components of the neuronal cytoskeleton. Neurofilaments, comprising light (NEFL), medium (NEFM), and heavy (NEFH) chains, form intermediate filaments that maintain axonal structure, regulate diameter, and influence signal transduction. NEFH, the largest subunit (~200 kDa), contributes to filament stability and axonal caliber through its long carboxyl-terminal tail.
NEFH antibodies are widely used to study neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, where neurofilament aggregation or mislocalization is observed. These antibodies enable detection of NEFH in tissues or biofluids via techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, or ELISA. Elevated neurofilament levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood, measured using NEFH-specific antibodies, are recognized biomarkers for neuronal injury, aiding disease monitoring and therapeutic evaluation.
Recent studies also explore NEFH antibodies in traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis, emphasizing their diagnostic and prognostic value. However, cross-reactivity with other neurofilament subunits or degradation products requires careful validation. Overall, NEFH antibodies remain indispensable for unraveling neurofilament biology and advancing neurological disorder research.