CD4 antibody

The cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) protein is a surface, type I membrane-embedded glycoprotein that is found on a wide range of cells: T-lymphocytes, B-cells, macrophages, granulocytes, and developmentally-dependent regions specific to the brain. It interacts with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II anti-genes, serves as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) receptor, and can initiate/augment early phase T-cell activation.  In immune-mediated and central nervous system (CNS) infectious diseases, CD4 indirectly mediates neuronal damage.

CD4, also known as Cluster of Differentiation 4, interacts with major histocompatibility complex class II antigens, acts as a receptor for the human immunodeficiency virus and induces the aggregation of lipid rafts. It is expressed in T lymphocytes, B cells, macrophages, granulocytes, dendritic cells and specific regions of the brain.

FOXP3, a forkhead family transcription factor specially expressed in regulatory T (Treg) cells, controls the expression of many key immune-regulatory genes. Treg cells are a population of T lymphocytes that have critical roles in the immune system homeostasis and tolerance to self and foreign antigens, the body's response to cancer and infectious agents.

Novus Biologicals offers the widest selection of conjugated CD4 antibody products, with a database that's continually expanding to take into account the latest developments. This includes CD4 antibodies conjugated to Dynomics and PE fluorescent dyes, for FACS analysis.

Research antibodies have long been used to advance HIV/Aids research, however researchers at the California Institute of Technology have recently published a study [PMID: 22033520] developing a new antibody that may someday be used clinically to neutralize HIV. Beginning with a naturally occurring antibody (NIH45-46) purified from HIV positive patients, the researchers modified the antibody using a technique called structure-based rational design.

CD4 is a member of the cluster of differentiation family of proteins, mainly expressed on the surface of thymocytes and a specific subset of mature T-cells. CD4 antibody studies have also shown it expressed on monocytes, cortical cells, microglial cells, dendritic cells and macrophages. The CD4 antibody is widely used in cell marker studies, CD4 being one of the most common CD markers in use.

Not everyone knows how antibodies influence animal life, so this article is, in part, a very brief introduction. Apoptosis is triggered by a variety of signals and takes place by one of several mechanisms. These involve cell surface receptors, cytokines, tumour necrosis factors, proteins such as Bcl-2, Bax and Apaf-1, the caspase cascade, and apoptosis-inducing factors.

Immunohistochemical testing using antibody panels has a valuable role in cancer diagnosis. Some tumors, especially more malignant ones, tend to lose the appearance of the tissue of origin. However, knowing the tissue of origin assists the physician in selecting the best treatment thus a differential diagnosis is required.