BD Horizon™ V450 Anti-Human HLA-A2

The monoclonal antibody BB7.2 specifically binds to the α subunit of the human leukocyte antigen-A2 (HLA-A2), a class I molecule of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).  The MHC gene locus encodes a group of highly polymorphic, cell-surface proteins that play a broad role in the immune response to protein antigens. MHC molecules bind and present small antigenic protein fragments to antigen-specific receptors expressed by T cells (TCR). Human (human leukocyte antigen/HLA) MHC molecules are comprised of two major classes, MHC class I and class II.  Functionally, class I MHC molecules bind peptides derived from intracellular antigens (eg, viral and some bacterial antigens) which are specifically recognized by CD8+ T cells. Class II MHC molecules bind antigens derived from pathogens multiplying in intracellular vesicles and ingested extracellular bacteria, both of which are recognized by CD4+ T cells. TCR recognize processed peptides bound to the MHC as well as regions of the MHC molecule itself. CD4 and CD8 accessory molecules strengthen the formation of the TCR-MHC complex through their interaction with non-polymorphic regions of the MHC molecule.

The antibody is conjugated to BD Horizon™ V450, which has been developed for use in multicolor flow cytometry experiments and is available exclusively from BD Biosciences. It is excited by the Violet laser Ex max of 406 nm and has an Em Max at 450 nm. Conjugates with BD Horizon™ V450 can be used in place of Pacific Blue™ conjugates.