Description
Product Characteristics: The monoclonal antibody 16D2 recognizes mouse complement factor C4, formerly known as Gg protein, which consists of an alpha-, beta-, and gamma-chain. The classical pathway of complement and the Mannose binding lectin activation pathway converge at C4. C1s, MASP-1 and MASP-2 cleave C4 resulting in the formation of C4a and C4b. Subsequently, C4b can be cleaved to C4c and C4d by other serum enzymes. The monoclonal antibody 16D2 reacts with intact C4, C4b and C4d. C4 is an acute phase protein that is produced by hepatocytes, monocytes and intestinal epithelial cells and can be used in experimental animals as a marker for activation of the classical complement pathway. Recent studies have demonstrated an association between graft rejection and C4d deposition in a mouse model for cardiac transplantation. Aliases Complement component 4 Immunogen Thymocytes decorated with Thy-1 antibody and complement components
Target Information: This gene encodes the basic form of complement factor 4, part of the classical activation pathway. The protein is expressed as a single chain precursor which is proteolytically cleaved into a trimer of alpha, beta, and gamma chains prior to secretion. The trimer provides a surface for interaction between the antigen-antibody complex and other complement components. The alpha chain may be cleaved to release C4 anaphylatoxin, a mediator of local inflammation. Deficiency of this protein is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. This gene localizes to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III region on chromosome 6. Varying haplotypes of this gene cluster exist, such that individuals may have 1, 2, or 3 copies of this gene. In addition, this gene exists as a long form and a short form due to the presence or absence of a 6.4 kb endogenous HERV-K retrovirus in intron 9. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]