At least five CD1 genes (CD1a, b, c, d, and e) are identified. CD1 proteins have been demonstrated to restrict T cell response to non-peptide lipid and glycolipid antigens and play a role in non-classical antigen presentation. CD1a is a non-polymorphic MHC Class 1 related cell surface glycoprotein, expressed in association with Beta-2 microglobulin. CD1a antibody labels Langerhans cell histiocytosis (Histiocytosis X), extranodal histiocytic sarcoma, a subset of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia, and interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma of the lymph node. When combined with antibody against TTF-1 and CD5, CD1a antibody is useful in distinguishing between pulmonary and thymic neoplasms since CD1a is consistently expressed in thymic lymphocytes in both typical and atypical thymomas, but only focally in 1/6 of thymic carcinomas and not in lymphocytes in pulmonary neoplasms. antibody to CD1a is reported to be a new marker for perivascular epithelial cell tumor (PEComa).

Store the CD1a antibody at 2-8°C (with azide) or aliquot and store at -20°C or colder (without azide).