CD68, Rat, mAb ED1

The monoclonal antibody ED1 recognises a single chain heavily glycosylated protein of 90-110 kD (depending on the cell type as antigen source) that is expressed on the lysosomal membrane of phagocytes as well as on the cell surface (weak expression). This antigen is the rat homologue of human CD68. The expression of this antigen in cells increases during phagocytic activity. The antigen is expressed by the majority of tissue macrophages and weakly by peripheral blood granulocytes. This makes the monoclonal antibody ED1 a useful marker for rat macrophages. The monoclonal antibody ED1 is not able to block latex phagocytosis or bacterial killing.