Hu HLA-A2-Ig Pure Recom DimerX 50ug

The HLA-A2:Ig fusion protein consists of three extracellular major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I HLA-A2 domains that are fused to the VH regions of mouse IgG1 (see schematic representation). In order for the MHC class I to be functional, i.e., capable of binding peptides, β2 Microglobulin (β2M) must be present. For this reason, BD™ DimerX consists of recombinant HLA-A2:Ig fusion protein, supplemented with recombinant β2M. Recombinant MHC molecules, such as the DimerX fusion protein, are useful for studying T-cell function by immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometric analysis of antigen-specific T cells.

 

The MHC gene locus encodes a group of highly polymorphic, cell-surface proteins that play a broad role in the immune response to protein antigens. MHC molecules function by binding and presenting small antigenic protein fragments to antigen-specific receptors expressed by T cells (TCR). Human (human leukocyte antigen/HLA) and mouse (histocompatibility 2/H-2) MHC molecules are structurally and functionally related proteins that comprise two major classes. Class I MHC molecules consist of two separate polypeptide chains. The class I α chain is an MHC encoded, transmembrane polypeptide containing three extracellular domains: α1, α2, and α3. The second chain consists of a non-MHC encoded polypeptide called β2M. Since β2M does not contain a transmembrane domain, it associates with the α chain through noncovalent interaction. Functionally, class I MHC molecules can bind peptides derived from intracellular antigens (e.g., viral and some bacterial antigens) that are specifically recognized by CD8+ T cells. Class II MHC molecules consist of two different transmembrane proteins that can bind peptide fragments derived from extracellular proteins (e.g., bacteria and fungi) and are specifically recognized by CD4+ T cells. TCR recognize both processed peptides bound to MHC, as well as regions of the MHC molecule itself. CD4 and CD8 accessory molecules strengthen formation of the TCR-MHC complex through their interaction with non-polymorphic regions of the MHC molecule.

Since applications vary, each investigator should titrate the reagent to obtain optimal results.

Caution: Sodium azide yields highly toxic hydrazoic acid under acidic conditions. Dilute azide compounds in running water before discarding to avoid accumulation of potentially explosive deposits in plumbing.