DEC-205 (mouse)

NLDC 145 identifies Ia positive interdigitating cells, veiled cells and Langerhans cells of the skin and their in vitro counterparts. The antigen is expressed at high levels by dendritic cells and thymic epithelial cells. The antigen detected by NLDC 145 is an integral membrane glycoprotein with an apparent mass of 205 kD, also known as DEC-205. DEC-205 is apparently a receptor involved in antigen-processing by dendritic cells. Double staining with MIDC 8 and NLDC 145 allows a more precise characterization of cells to be studied. MIDC 8 recognizes very specific cytoplasmic components whereas NLDC 145, which is more widely distributed, stains the cytoplasm (after fixation) and cell surface.