Amino acids 21-198 of human LCN2 were used as the immunogen for the NGAL antibody.
Europhile gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LCN2 gene. The binding of lipocalin-2 to bacterial siderophores is important in the innate immune response to bacterial infection. Upon encountering invading bacteria the toll-like receptors on immune cells stimulate the synthesis and secretion of lipocalin-2. Secreted lipocalin-2 then limits bacterial growth by sequestering iron-containing siderophores. Lipocalin-2 also functions as a growth factor.
