CD90 (Thy-1) is a GPI-anchored membrane glycoprotein of the Ig superfamily which is involved in signal transduction. The OX-7 monoclonal antibody specifically binds to rat CD90 reported to be expressed by hematopoietic stem cells, early myeloid and erythroid cells, immature B lymphocytes in the bone marrow and peripheral lymphoid organs, thymocytes, recent thymic emigrants (a subset of CD45RC- peripheral T lymphocytes), neurons, glomerular mesangial cells, endothelium at inflammatory sites, mast cells, and dendritic cells. Rat dendritic epidermal T cells (DEC) have been reported to be CD90 (Thy-1) negative, unlike those of the mouse.
The OX-7 clone has been reported to crossreact with the mouse CD90.1 (Thy-1.1) alloantigen of the AKR/J and PL strains, but not CD90.2 (Thy-1.2) found on many mouse strains. In the mouse, CD90 is found on thymocytes, most peripheral T lymphocytes, some intraepithelial T lymphocytes (IEL, DEC), hematopoietic stem cells, and neurons, but not B lymphocytes. In addition, there is evidence that CD90 mediates adhesion of mouse thymocytes to mouse thymic stroma. The OX-7 clone has also been reported to crossreact with rabbit and guinea pig thymus, brain, and intestine.
This antibody is routinely tested by flow cytometric analysis. Other applications were tested at BD Biosciences Pharmingen during antibody development only or reported in the literature.