The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a cluster of genes that are important in the immune response to infections. In rats, this complex is referred to as the RT1 region. In mice, this complex is referred to as the H-2 region.

This product recognizes a polymorphic determinant of the rat RT1B MHC class II antigen, reacting with haplotypes u and l. The literature reports reactivity with Lewis, Wistar and AO strain rats but not BN, DA or PVG/c strains (1,2). This antibody is useful for distinguishing RT1B positive cells from different rat strains, e.g. for recognising cells of donor origin in bone marrow reconstituted radiation chimaeras (3,4).

This product also cross reacts with mouse strains of the H-2 haplotypes b and s. Analysis of recombinant mouse strains has mapped the OX-3 determinant to the H-2I-A region.

This product is routinely tested in flow cytometry on Lewis rat splenocytes.

MHC Class II RT1Bu