CD1a, together with CD1b and c, belongs to group 1 of CD1 glycoproteins. These proteins serve as antigen-presenting molecules for a subset of T cells that responds to specific lipids and glycolipids found in the cell walls of bacterial pathogens or self-glycolipid antigens such as gangliosides, and they have also roles in antiviral immunity. Unlike CD1b, CD1a is excluded from late endosomal compartments and instead traffics independently in the recycling pathway of the early endocytic system, and CD1a antigen presentation is independent upon vesicular acidification.

Human thymocytes

The mouse monoclonal antibody SK9 recognizes an extracellular epitope of CD1a (T6), a 49 kDa polypeptide associated with beta2-microglobulin expressed on cortical thymocytes (strongly), Langerhans cells, dendritic cells and some T cell leukemias and lymphomas.

Stabilizing phosphate buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.4, 15 mM sodium azide

Purified antibody is conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) under optimum conditions and unconjugated antibody and free fluorochrome are removed by size-exclusion chromatography.

Store at 2-8°C. Protect from prolonged exposure to light. Do not freeze.

The antibody solution should be gently mixed before use.