Flow Cytometry: Rat Anti-Mouse CD3 antibodies are frequently used in flow cytometry to analyze the expression of CD3 on T-cells. This technique allows researchers to quantify and characterize T-cell populations in various tissues and under different experimental conditions .
Immunohistochemistry: These antibodies are also used in immunohistochemistry to detect CD3 expression in tissue sections. This application is valuable for studying the distribution and localization of T-cells within tissues .
Immunoprecipitation: Rat Anti-Mouse CD3 antibodies can be used to isolate the CD3 complex from cell lysates, enabling the study of its composition and interactions with other proteins .
Functional Assays: In functional assays, Rat Anti-Mouse CD3 antibodies can be used to stimulate T-cells. For example, plate-bound 17A2 antibody has been reported to induce IL-2 production by cultured T-cells in the absence of accessory cells .
The monoclonal antibody is typically purified from tissue culture supernatant or ascites by affinity chromatography. The antibody is conjugated to a dye under optimal conditions, and unreacted dye is removed. It is recommended to store the antibody undiluted at 4°C and protect it from prolonged exposure to light. Freezing the antibody should be avoided to maintain its stability and functionality .
When working with Rat Anti-Mouse CD3 antibodies, it is important to handle them with care. Sodium azide, a common preservative in antibody solutions, can yield highly toxic hydrazoic acid under acidic conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to dilute azide compounds in running water before discarding them to avoid the accumulation of potentially explosive deposits in plumbing .