This antibody recognizes an epitope within the ~30kD beta chain region of cat MHC class II molecule, expressed by antigen presenting cells, B cells, monocytes and activated T lymphocytes. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a cluster of genes that are important in the immune response to infections. In cats, this is referred to as the feline leukocyte antigen (FLA) region. The complex retrovirus FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), is responsible for a progressive and debilitating immune deficiency syndrome in domestic cats, similar to that caused by the human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The intensity of MHC Class II expression on cat lymphocyte membranes vary in association with feline retrovirus infections (Ohno et al. 1992).||Applications:|Suitable for use in ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Immunofluorescence and Western Blot. Other applications not tested. ||Recommended Dilutions:|Flow Cytometry: 10ul labels 10e6 cells in 100ul|Western Blot: Detects bands at ~29-31kD on fractionated feline lymphocyte cell lysates under non-reducing conditions|Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. ||Storage and Stability:|May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months after receipt. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.