MHC Class I (EMR8-5) Mouse mAb (Alexa Fluor ® 488 Conjugate)

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is a gene complex encoding the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins in humans. These cell surface proteins are responsible for the regulation of antigen-specific immunity in humans. HLA genes are highly polymorphic, allowing them to fine-tune the adaptive immune response. HLAs corresponding to MHC class I (HLA-A, B, and C) present small peptide antigens from inside the cell, approximately 8 to 10 amino acids in length, to CD8+ T lymphocytes in order to activate a cytotoxic T cell response. HLAs corresponding to MHC class II (HLA-DP, DM, DO, DQ, and DR) present antigens from outside of the cell, approximately 15 to 24 residues in length, to CD4+ T helper cells, which in turn secrete cytokines and stimulate B cells to produce antibodies to that specific antigen. HLAs corresponding to MHC class III encode components of the complement system (1,2). 1.Marsh, S.G. et al. (2005) Hum Immunol 66, 571-636. 2.Shiina, T. et al. (2004) Tissue Antigens 64, 631-49.