CD11a Antibody
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
LFA-1 is a member of the integrin superfamily of adhesion molecules. It is involved in various immunological processes, including the migration of leukocytes to sites of inflammation, T cell activation, and the formation of the immunological synapse . The alpha subunit, CD11a, is responsible for binding to intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs), such as ICAM-1, ICAM-2, and ICAM-3 . This binding is crucial for the firm arrest and transmigration of leukocytes across the endothelium into tissues.
In its inactive state, LFA-1 adopts a bent conformation with low affinity for ICAM binding. Upon activation by chemokines, LFA-1 undergoes a conformational change to a high-affinity state, allowing it to bind more effectively to its ligands . This process, known as inside-out signaling, is essential for the proper functioning of the immune response.
LFA-1 is expressed on all leukocytes, including lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes . It plays a central role in leukocyte intercellular adhesion and costimulatory signaling. The interaction between LFA-1 and its ligands is critical for the emigration of leukocytes from the bloodstream into tissues, where they can perform their immune functions .
In addition to its role in leukocyte migration, LFA-1 is involved in cytotoxic T cell-mediated killing and antibody-mediated killing by granulocytes and monocytes . It also influences T cell differentiation through its interactions with ICAMs, thereby contributing to the regulation of the immune response.
The rat anti-mouse CD11a monoclonal antibody is a valuable tool in immunological research. It specifically binds to the 180 kDa alpha chain of LFA-1, allowing researchers to study the expression and function of this integrin in various experimental settings . This antibody is commonly used in flow cytometry and other immunological assays to investigate the role of LFA-1 in leukocyte adhesion, migration, and signaling.
The rat anti-mouse CD11a antibody has been instrumental in elucidating the mechanisms underlying leukocyte adhesion and migration, as well as in the development of therapeutic strategies targeting LFA-1 in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases .
