CD1 Monoclonal Antibody

CD1A encodes a member of the CD1 family of transmembrane glycoproteins, which are structurally related to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins and form heterodimers with beta-2-microglobulin. The CD1 proteins mediate the presentation of primarily lipid and glycolipid antigens of self or microbial origin to T cells. The human genome contains five CD1 family genes organized in a cluster on chromosome 1. The CD1 family members are thought to differ in their cellular localization and specificity for particular lipid ligands. CD1a molecule encoded by CD1A localizes to the plasma membrane and to recycling vesicles of the early endocytic system. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.