Description: The CX1 monoclonal antibody reacts with the mouse retinoic acid early inducible gamma (RAE-1γ) and weakly cross-reacts with the RAE-1α and β, but not with δ and ε. These 5 members of the RAE-1 family, along with another protein encoded by the minor histocompatibility gene complex called H60 have been identified as ligands for the mouse NKG2D molecule. These ligands are normally absent from adult tissue, however the presence of retinoic acid or certain disease conditions (such as tumors) can induce up-regulation of this protein at the cell surface. RAE-1α, -β, and -γ and H60 are expressed in BALB/c mice, but not in C57BL/6, whereas RAE-1δ, and -ε are expressed in C57BL/6 mice. It is reported that in NOD mice, both NKG2D and its ligand RAE-1 are expressed on the same NK cells, resulting in self-modulation of NKG2D expression and function.