CD2 Antibody

CD2, also known as T11 or LFA-2 (Lymphocyte-function associated antigen-2), is a 50 kDa type I transmembrane glycoprotein. It is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, thymocytes, and certain subsets of B cells . CD2 plays a crucial role in T cell activation, signaling, and cell-cell adhesion.

CD2 is characterized by its extracellular domain, which is responsible for binding to its primary ligand, CD58 (LFA-3). This interaction is essential for the formation of the immunological synapse, a specialized junction between T cells and antigen-presenting cells . Additionally, CD2 can bind to other ligands such as CD48, CD59, and CD15, further contributing to its role in immune responses .

The cytoplasmic domain of CD2 is involved in signal transduction, which is critical for T cell activation and proliferation. Upon ligand binding, CD2 initiates a cascade of intracellular signaling events that lead to the activation of various transcription factors and the production of cytokines .

The mouse anti-human CD2 antibody, specifically the RPA-2.10 clone, is widely used in research and clinical settings. This monoclonal antibody is utilized in flow cytometry to analyze CD2 expression on human peripheral blood lymphocytes . It is also employed in immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections and functional assays to study T cell activation and signaling .

In clinical research, CD2 is a valuable marker for identifying and characterizing T cells and NK cells in various diseases, including autoimmune disorders, infections, and cancers. The ability to detect and quantify CD2 expression helps researchers understand the immune status of patients and develop targeted therapies .

The mouse anti-human CD2 antibody is typically purified from tissue culture supernatant or ascites by affinity chromatography. It is formulated in an aqueous buffered solution containing sodium azide as a preservative . For optimal performance, the antibody should be stored undiluted at 4°C and protected from light .

When working with antibodies containing sodium azide, it is important to handle them with care. Sodium azide is a reversible inhibitor of oxidative metabolism and can be toxic under acidic conditions. Proper disposal methods should be followed to prevent the accumulation of potentially explosive deposits in plumbing .