The “classical” MHC Class I molecules are histocompatibility antigens encoded by the H-2 gene complex and consist of heterodimers of highly polymorphic α chains noncovalently associated with the invariant β2-microglobulin. These antigens are expressed on most nucleated cells but expression varies on different cell types. MHC Class I molecules present endogenously synthesized peptides to CD8+ T lymphocytes, which are usually cytotoxic T cells. MHC Class I antigens expressed on thymic epithelial cells regulate the positive and negative selection of CD8+ T cells during T cell ontogeny. The monoclonal antibody 4A34-1-2S binds to a common determinant in the α3 domains of H-2Kd and H-2Dd in the presence or absence of β2 microglobulin. It cross reacts with the α3 domain of H-2Kb.

Cell Surface Flow Cytometry Staining Protocol

1. Ozato K, Mayer NM, Sachs DH. Monoclonal antibodies to mouse major histocompatibility complex antigens. IV. A series of hybridoma clones producing anti-H-2d antibodies and an examination of expression of H-2d antigens on the surface of these cells. Transplantation. 1982;34:113-9. (Immunogen)

2. Burgert H, Maryanski JL, Kvist S. "E3/19K" protein of adenovirus type 2 inhibits lysis of cytolytic T lymphocytes by blocking cell-surface expression of histocompatibility class I antigens. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1987;84:1356-60. (IP)

3. Lenz A, Heufler C, Rammensee H, Glassl H, Koch F, Romani N, et al. Murine epidermal Langerhans cells express significant amounts of class I major histocompatibility complex antigens. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1989;86:7527-31. (FC, ICC, CMDC).