Description
In the mouse, at least three members of the Klrb (Killer cell lectin-like receptor, subfamily b; formerly NKR-P1) gene family have been identified (Klrb1a/NKR-P1A, Klrb1b/NKR-P1B, and Klrb1c/NKR-P1C); but in the human gene family, a single homologue has been designated KLRB1, NKR-P1A, or CD161. The KLRB1/NKR-P1 family of proteins are type-II-transmembrane C-type lectin receptors. KLRB1C/NKR-P1C activates NK-cell cytotoxicity, while KLRB1B/NKR-P1B functions as an inhibitory receptor. KLRB1B/NKR-P1B protein has intracellular Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Inhibitory Motif (ITIM), while KLRB1C/NKR-P1C lacks ITIM and activates via association with Fc Receptor γ chain. Strikingly, KLRB1B/NKR-P1B and KLRB1C/NKR-P1C share 96% amino acid sequence identity in their extracellular C-type lectin domains. The PK136 antibody reacts with the NK-1.1 surface antigen (CD161c) encoded by the Klrb1c/NKR-P1C gene expressed on natural killer (NK) cells in selected strains of mice (eg, C57BL, FVB/N, NZB, but not A, AKR, BALB/c, CBA/J, C3H, C57BR, C58, DBA/1, DBA/2, NOD, SJL, 129) and the CD161b antigen encoded by the Klrb1b/NKR-P1B gene expressed only on Swiss NIH and SJL mice, but not on C57BL/6. Expression of KLRB1C/NKR-P1C protein is correlated with the ability to lyse tumor cells in vitro and to mediate rejection of bone marrow allografts. The NK-1.1 marker is useful in defining NK cells; however, the antigen is also expressed on a rare, specialized population of T lymphocytes (NK-T cells) and some cultured monocytes. Plate-bound PK136 mAb, in combination with low concentrations of IL-2, induces proliferation of a subset of NK cells.
The monoclonal antibody was purified from tissue culture supernatant or ascites by affinity chromatography. Store undiluted at 4°C.
1. Since applications vary, each investigator should titrate the reagent to obtain optimal results.
2. Please refer to www.bdbiosciences.com/us/s/resources for technical protocols.
3. Caution: Sodium azide yields highly toxic hydrazoic acid under acidic conditions. Dilute azide compounds in running water before discarding to avoid accumulation of potentially explosive deposits in plumbing.
4. Sodium azide is a reversible inhibitor of oxidative metabolism; therefore, antibody preparations containing this preservative agent must not be used in cell cultures nor injected into animals. Sodium azide may be removed by washing stained cells or plate-bound antibody or dialyzing soluble antibody in sodium azide-free buffer. Since endotoxin may also affect the results of functional studies, we recommend the NA/LE (No Azide/Low Endotoxin) antibody format, if available, for in vitro and in vivo use.
