This antibody is specific for the TCR CD3 epsilon chain and can also be used to identify this subunit in immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting applications

Upon engagement of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) with its antigen/MHC ligand, the TCR undergoes a conformational change that results in the exposure of a proline-rich sequence in the cytoplasmic tail of CD3epsilon and recruitment of the adapter protein Nck. This is perhaps the most rapid event detected upon TCR engagement. We have found now that antibody APA1/1, specific for the cytoplasmic tail of CD3 epsilon is also capable of detecting the conformational change in the TCR. The antibody is therefore suitable to detect T cells whose TCR is being engaged and are, therefore, at the beginning of their activation process.

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

APA1/1 can be used to stain fixed and permeabilized cells in flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry applications and can distinguish TCR-stimulated from non-stimulated T cells. The antibody can be used in laboratory research and has a potential in clinical diagnosis to distinguish engaged from non-engaged T cells in autoimmunity conditions. The antibody is specific for the TCR CD3 epsilon chain and can also be used to identify this subunit in immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting applications

INNOVATIVE ASPECTS

Antibody APA1/1 selectively recognizes TCR complexes which are undergoing a ligand-induced conformational change. Since this process is immediate to TCR engagement, antibody APA1/1 can be used to identify cells which are being productively engaged in a given moment.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

APA1/1 is the only antibody able to specifically recognize productively- engaged TCRs. Compared with antibodies specific for activated proteins in the signalling cascade such as anti- phosphotyrosine antibodies, APA1/1 offers the advantages of cell specificity because the target protein of APA1/1 (CD3epsilon) is restricted to T cells.

Experiments have been done in cultured T cells as well as in histological sections to demonstrate the properties of the antibody

Early Stage

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