F 4/80 Antigen

The two clones BM8 and Cl:A3-1 are pan-macrophage markers. They recognize the F 4/80 antigen, a 120-160 kD glycoprotein containing 7 EGF-like domains at the N-terminus, an RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) integrin binding motif, and significant homology to the transmembrane 7 (Tm7) hormone receptor family at the C-terminus. The molecular structure suggests multiple ligands. Possibly, F 4/80 is involved in macrophage adhesion within certain tissues, combined with receptor signaling following peptide-ligand interaction. The antigen is expressed by most macrophages and macrophage precursors beyond M-CFC, and increases upon maturation. Activated macrophages, and eosinophils express low levels. Freshly isolated spleen dendritic cells are uniformly positive for F4/80, but the expression decreases upon culture. These antibodies are very useful for characterizing tissue fixed macrophages, particularly in combination with MOMA-2 (product T-2007). The reaction pattern of antibodies BM8 and Cl:A3-1 is almost identical, BM8 is used at lower concentrations than Cl:A3-1.

Family Literatur:
D.Hume et al., J. Exp. Med., 158, 1522 (1983)