Rabbit anti-Human CD94 Monoclonal Antibody for Flow Cytometry - Q13241

Core Product Specifications and Parameters

Biological Background: CD94 Function and Localization

• CD94 (KLRD1) is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily D. It functions as a ligand-binding subunit, forming disulfide-linked heterodimers with NKG2A (KLRC1) or NKG2C (KLRC2). These receptor complexes recognize the non-classical MHC class Ib molecule HLA-E on target cells, enabling immune surveillance of MHC class I expression. Related references: PMID:10023772, PMID:18064301, PMID:18083576, PMID:12387742, PMID:9430220
• The KLRD1-KLRC1 complex acts as a dominant inhibitory receptor on natural killer (NK) cells and a subset of memory/effector CD8+ T cells. Upon HLA-E binding, it recruits tyrosine phosphatases INPP5D/SHIP-1 and INPPL1/SHIP-2 via immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs (ITIMs) in KLRC1, counteracting activation signals and maintaining self-tolerance. In tumor microenvironments, this pathway contributes to NK and T cell exhaustion. Related references: PMID:30860984, PMID:9430220, PMID:9485206, PMID:12387742, PMID:18064301, PMID:30503213, PMID:12165520
• The KLRD1-KLRC2 complex functions as an activating receptor, transmitting signals through the adaptor TYROBP/DAP12. It plays roles in adaptive NK cell responses, viral immunity, and maternal-fetal tolerance by recognizing HLA-E loaded with peptides from HLA-G or viral antigens. Related references: PMID:15940674, PMID:9655483, PMID:30134159, PMID:9754572, PMID:20952657, PMID:21825173
• CD94 receptors are exploited by viruses for immune evasion: human cytomegalovirus stabilizes HLA-E with viral peptides to inhibit NK cells; HIV-1 uses a p24-derived peptide (AISPRTLNA) for the same purpose; and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 peptide (LQPRTFLL) induces NK and CD8+ T cell exhaustion via HLA-E recognition. Related references: PMID:32859121
• CD94 is expressed on the cell membrane of NK cell subsets, memory/effector CD8+ αβ T cells, cytotoxic γδ T cells, and melanoma-specific T cell clones. KLRD1-KLRC1 and KLRD1-KLRC2 are differentially distributed, with few cells co-expressing both complexes. Related references: PMID:21825173, PMID:9430220, PMID:9485206, PMID:12387742, PMID:20952657
• Structurally, CD94 contains a C-type lectin-like domain, a signal-anchor, and a single transmembrane helix. It is post-translationally modified by N-linked glycosylation and disulfide bond formation, which are essential for proper folding and dimerization. Its molecular weight is approximately 21 kDa.

Experimental Guidance and Technical Tips

• is a bright fluorophore with excitation/emission maxima suitable for blue (488 nm) or red (633 nm) lasers; verify compatibility with your flow cytometer configuration and compensation settings.
• As a direct conjugate, the antibody requires no secondary staining. Titrate to determine the optimal concentration for your cell type and experimental conditions.
• Validate in a known CD94-expressing system such as the NK cell line NKL or freshly isolated human NK cells. Include both positive (e.g., IL-2–activated NK cells) and negative (e.g., CD94– cell lines) controls.
• CD94 expression can vary with cell activation status; consider time-course or stimulation experiments to capture dynamic changes.
• For multicolor panels, check for spectral overlap with other fluorophores and use appropriate compensation controls.

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