The R1-2 monoclonal antibody specifically binds to α4 chain (CD49d), which is expressed as a heterdimer with either of two β, β1 or β7 (also known as βp). The α4β1 integrin (VLA-4, CD49d/CD29) is expressed on most peripheral lymphocytes, thymocytes, and monocytes; while the α4β7 integrin (LPAM-1) is expressed on peripheral lymphocytes, but on only a small subset of thymocytes. These integrins mediate a variety of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, recognizing the ligands VCAM-1 (CD106) and fibronectin. There is evidence that levels of VLA-4 expression regulate the transendothelial migration of T lymphocytes into inflamed tissues. Integrin α4β7 also preferentially binds to the mucosal vascular addressin, MAdCAM-1. The R1-2 antibody blocks some α4 integrin-mediated binding functions. In combination with mAb 9C10 (MFR4.B) (Cat. No. 553313), binding of VLA-4 expressing cells to VCAM-1 can be almost completely inhibited.
The antibody was conjugated to BD Horizon™ BV711 which is part of the BD Horizon Brilliant™ Violet family of dyes. This dye is a tandem fluorochrome of BD Horizon BV421 with an Ex Max of 405-nm and an acceptor dye with an Em Max at 711-nm. BD Horizon BV711 can be excited by the violet laser and detected in a filter used to detect Cy™5.5 / Alexa Fluor® 700-like dyes (eg, 712/20-nm filter). Due to the excitation and emission characteristics of the acceptor dye, there may be moderate spillover into the Alexa Fluor® 700 and PerCP-Cy5.5 detectors. However, the spillover can be corrected through compensation as with any other dye combination.