Introduction
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus known as a retrovirus. It weakens the immune system, making individuals susceptible to infections and illnesses. HIV attacks specific immune cells, particularly a type called CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for a healthy immune response. The virus can lead to a decline in CD4+ T cells through various mechanisms, including direct cell death, increased self-destruction of infected cells, and elimination of infected cells by other immune cells. As CD4+ T cell numbers decrease, the immune system weakens, increasing the risk of opportunistic infections. HIV is categorized as a lentivirus, which belongs to the retrovirus family. Lentiviruses share common characteristics and often cause long-term illnesses with extended periods before symptoms appear. HIV spreads through bodily fluids as a single-stranded RNA virus enclosed in an envelope. When HIV enters a host cell, its RNA is converted into DNA by an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This viral DNA integrates into the host cell's DNA using another viral enzyme called integrase. Once integrated, the virus can either remain dormant or activate to produce more viruses, spreading the infection.
Formulation
The antibody is provided as a solution with a concentration of 1 milligram per milliliter in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) after reconstitution.
Shipping Conditions
The antibody is shipped in a lyophilized (freeze-dried) form at ambient temperature.
Storage Procedures
For long-term storage in its lyophilized state, keep the antibody at 4 degrees Celsius in a dry environment. After reconstitution, if not used within one month, aliquot the antibody and store it at -20 degrees Celsius.
Solubility
To reconstitute the antibody, add sterile water (H2O) to the vial. Mix gently by swirling, ensure the solution reaches the sides of the vial, and wait for 30-60 seconds before use.
Titer
When tested using a direct ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) against the recombinant HIV-1 gp41 protein, a dilution of 1:10,000 of the antibody produces an optical density (O.D.) of 0.27. This test uses an alkaline phosphatase-conjugated rabbit anti-mouse immunoglobulin (Ig) from Jackson Laboratories.
Purification Method
Ion exchange column.
Type
Mouse antibody Monoclonal.