The 17A2 monoclonal antibody reacts with the mouse CD3 complex. CD3 subunits gamma, delta and epsilon are required for proper assembly, trafficking and surface expression of the TCR complex. CD3 is expressed by thymocytes in a developmentally regulated manner and by all mature T cells. Binding of 17A2 to CD3 initiates the intracellular biochemical pathway resulting in cellular activation and proliferation.

Applications Reported: The 17A2 antibody has been reported for use in flow cytometric analysis. It has also been reported in in vitro activation of mouse T cells. (Please use Functional Grade purified 17A2

Applications Tested: This 17A2 antibody has been tested by flow cytometric analysis of mouse thymocytes and splenocytes. This can be used at less than or equal to 0.25 µg per test. A test is defined as the amount (µg) of antibody that will stain a cell sample in a final volume of 100 µL. Cell number should be determined empirically but can range from 10^5 to 10^8 cells/test. It is recommended that the antibody be carefully titrated for optimal performance in the assay of interest.

Purity: Greater than 90%, as determined by SDS-PAGE.

Aggregation: Less than 10%, as determined by HPLC.

Filtration: 0.2 µm post-manufacturing filtered.

The CD3 complex, composed of gamma, delta, epsilon, and zeta subunits, is essential for the assembly, trafficking, and surface expression of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex. These subunits are structurally related members of the immunoglobulin superfamily and are encoded by closely linked genes on human chromosome 11. CD3 is expressed by thymocytes in a developmentally regulated manner and by all mature T cells, but not on B or NK cells. The CD3 subunits play a crucial role in transducing antigen-recognition signals into the cytoplasm of T cells. The cytoplasmic tails of CD3 subunits contain a double tyrosine-based motif that associates with cytoplasmic signal transduction molecules, mediating T cell activation through the TCR. Crosslinking of the TCR initiates intracellular biochemical pathways that result in cellular activation, proliferation, and potentially growth arrest and cell survival. CD3 is present on 68-82% of normal peripheral blood lymphocytes, 65-85% of thymocytes, and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. Decreased percentages of T lymphocytes may be observed in some autoimmune diseases. Defects in the CD3 gene are associated with CD3 immunodeficiency, highlighting its importance in immune function and regulation.