Purified anti-mouse/rat CD49e

CD49e is a 135 kD protein, also known as alpha5 integrin or VLA-5 alpha chain. It is a member of the integrin family, expressed on thymocytes, splenic B cells, activated T cells, and mast cells. CD49e associates with CD29 (integrin beta1 chain) to form the fibronectin receptor (VLA-5). CD49e plays a critical role in both adhesion and T cell costimulation. The primary ligand for CD49e/CD29 (VLA-5) is fibronectin. The HMalpha5-1 antibody has been shown to partially block CD49e mediated interactions. It has also been observed that plate-bound HMalpha5-1 antibody enhances IgE mediated degranulation and that in vivo injection of HMalpha5-1 antibody, in combination with anti-CD49d and anti-CD61 antibodies, blocks passive cutaneous anaphylaxis.