CTLA 4 Antibody

CTLA-4 is a 33 kDa protein that shares significant structural and functional similarities with CD28, another protein receptor found on T cells . Both CTLA-4 and CD28 bind to the same ligands, B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86), which are present on antigen-presenting cells (APCs). However, while CD28 provides a costimulatory signal that promotes T cell activation and proliferation, CTLA-4 delivers an inhibitory signal that downregulates immune responses .

The primary function of CTLA-4 is to maintain immune homeostasis and prevent autoimmunity by inhibiting excessive T cell activation. This is achieved through its higher affinity for B7 ligands compared to CD28, allowing it to outcompete CD28 for binding and thus delivering an inhibitory signal to the T cells .

CTLA-4 is essential for the induction and maintenance of immunological tolerance. It plays a critical role in the regulation of T cell responses, ensuring that the immune system does not overreact to self-antigens, which could lead to autoimmune diseases . CTLA-4 is also involved in the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are crucial for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune reactions .

Hamster anti-mouse CTLA-4 antibodies are monoclonal antibodies derived from hamsters and are used in various immunological research applications. These antibodies are designed to specifically bind to the CTLA-4 protein on mouse cells, allowing researchers to study the function and regulation of CTLA-4 in the immune system .

One commonly used hamster anti-mouse CTLA-4 antibody is the UC10-4B9 clone. This antibody can enhance T cell co-stimulation by blocking CTLA-4 interactions with B7 co-receptors, favoring CD28 interactions . Another example is the 9H10 clone, which inhibits the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) by Jurkat cells, a type of T cell line, by blocking CTLA-4 interactions .

Hamster anti-mouse CTLA-4 antibodies are widely used in immunological research to study T cell regulation, immune tolerance, and autoimmune diseases. They are employed in various experimental techniques, including flow cytometry, immunoprecipitation, and in vitro and in vivo blocking assays . These antibodies are also used in the development of immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, as they can modulate T cell responses and enhance anti-tumor immunity .