The UCHT1 antibody is specific for human CD3e, also known as CD3 epsilon, a 20 kDa subunit of the T cell receptor complex, along with CD3 gamma and CD3 delta. These integral membrane protein chains assemble with additional chains of the T cell receptor (TCR), as well as CD3 zeta chain, to form the T cell receptor – CD3 complex. Together with co-receptors CD4 or CD8, the complex serves to recognize antigens bound to MHC molecules on antigen-presenting cells. These interactions promote T cell receptor signaling (T cell activation), inducing cell proliferation, differentiation, production of cytokines or activation-induced cell death. CD3 is differentially expressed during thymocyte-to-T cell development and on all mature T cells.
The UCHT1 antibody is a widely used phenotypic marker for human T cells. In addition, binding/cross-linking of UCHT1 antibody to CD3e can induce cell activation (use format suitable for functional assays). A recent publication of the crystal structure of a CD3e- antibody complex provides insight as to the action of commonly used agonist antibodies, as well as specific epitope-binding data for the human CD3 antibodies UCHT1 and OKT3 (Fernandes, R.A. et al. 2012. J. Biol. Chem. 287: 13324-13335).
Type:
Antigen: CD3
Clonality:
Clone: UCHT1
Conjugation: redFluor™ 710
Epitope:
Host: Mouse
Isotype: IgG1
Reactivity: Human
