Description: This OV9A2 monoclonal antibody reacts with human CD59, which is also known as Protectin. This GPI-linked membrane glycoprotein shares structural homology with the murine Ly-6 superfamily. CD59 is expressed on all human lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, and erythrocytes. This protein is also expressed on non-hematopoietic cells, including endothelial cells and neurons. By binding the complement components C8 and C9, CD59 inhibits assembly of the membrane attack complex and cytolytic activity by complement. CD59 interacts with CD2 to modulate T cell adhesion, and also plays a role in T cell activation. Finally, altered expression of CD55 and CD59 on human peripheral blood cells has been observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Crossblocking studies indicate that the OV9A2 monoclonal antibody binds the same epitope as MEM-43.