The M-A712 monoclonal antibody specifically binds to CD71 which is also known as the transferrin receptor (TFR). This type II transmembrane glycoprotein is expressed on cells as a disulfide-linked homodimer comprised of 95 kDa monomers. CD71 is expressed on activated lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, erythroid progenitors, brain endothelium, and most proliferating cells. CD71 is not expressed on resting lymphocytes and is upregulated during lymphocyte responses to antigens or mitogens. Through an endocytic pathway, the transferrin receptor mediates cellular iron uptake by binding and internalizing iron that is bound to transferrin. After releasing iron within the low pH endosomal environment, transferrin and its receptor can be recycled to the cell surface.