The KMC8 monoclonal antibody specifically binds to CD9 which is also known as Tetraspanin-29 (Tspan29). CD9 is a 24-kDa member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily, also called the tretraspanin family. In the mouse, CD9 is present on bone marrow myeloid cells, stromal cells, and megakaryocyte-committed progenitors; subsets of peripheral T and B lymphocytes; and neutrophils, platelets, dendritic cells, and bone marrow-derived macrophages. CD9 has been found to be associated with integrins and other cell-surface receptors. It appears to play roles in signal transduction and in regulating cellular adhesive properties. CD9 can also reportedly participate in T-cell costimulation and induction of apoptosis. The KMC8 antibody reportedly blocks certain CD9 functions and activates macrophages.
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.