Invitrogen™ CD1c Monoclonal Antibody (L161), Alexa Fluor™ 647, eBioscience™

CD1c is a member of the CD1 family of transmembrane glycoproteins, which are structurally related to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins and form heterodimers with beta-2-microglobulin. This family of proteins is involved in the presentation of lipid and glycolipid antigens, both of self and microbial origin, to T cells during the adaptive immune response. CD1c is expressed on some circulating and marginal zone B cells, as well as in lymph nodes and germinal centers. It plays a crucial role in presenting lipid antigens, such as microbial fatty acids, to effector T cells. The protein encoded by the CD1c gene localizes to late endosomes and lysosomes, utilizing a tyrosine-based motif in its cytoplasmic tail for targeting. Vesicular acidification is required for CD1c to bind lipid antigens effectively. The human genome contains five CD1 family genes organized in a cluster on chromosome 1, with each member differing in cellular localization and specificity for particular lipid ligands. CD1c undergoes alternative splicing, resulting in three different isoforms: soluble, membrane-bound, and cytoplasmic/soluble isoforms, highlighting its functional diversity in immune processes.