The RF8B2 monoclonal antibody specifically binds to the human CXC chemokine receptor, CXCR5. CXCR5 (also known as CD185, BLR-1 NLR and MDR15), a seven transmembrane, G-protein-coupled receptor, is the specific receptor for CXC chemokine, CXCL13/BLC/BCA-1. In peripheral blood, CXCR5 expression is restricted to B lymphocytes and a small subset of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. The restricted expression pattern of CXCR5 on B cells and follicular T helper cells (Tfh) suggests that this receptor functions as a regulator of B and T cell migration. Stimulation of T cells with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody leads to the down-regulation of CXCR5.
The antibody was conjugated to BD Horizon™ BV650 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 650-nm. BD Horizon BV650 can be excited by the violet laser and detected in a filter used to detect APC-like dyes (eg, 660/20-nm filter). Due to the excitation and emission characteristics of the acceptor dye, there will be spillover into the APC and Alexa Fluor® 700 detectors. However, the spillover can be corrected through compensation as with any other dye combination.