Characterization of LHTric-1: A New Monospecific Monoclonal Antibody to Trichocyte Keratin Ha1

The study successfully produced a monospecific monoclonal antibody, LHTric-1, targeting the trichocyte keratin Ha1, which was characterized using immunostaining and immunoblotting on rat and human tissues. LHTric-1 specifically localized to the pre-cortical region of hair follicles during early anagen and to pre-cortical cells in the upper bulb in anagen, but did not react with telogen follicles or fully keratinized hair or nail plates. It also showed specific staining in the tongue and nail. The antibody recognized a single 44 kDa protein, indicating its specificity. This antibody was concluded to be useful for research into hair and nail formation in both normal and diseased states.