IgM Human, R718, Clone: UCH-B1, Isotype Control, BD OptiBuild™

Description

• The UCH-B1 (also known as, UCHB1) monoclonal antibody specifically recognizes the heavy chain constant region (Cμ) of human Immunoglobulin M (IgM) that is encoded by IGHM (immunoglobulin heavy constant mu)
• It does not crossreact with other immunoglobulin heavy or light chain isotypes
• An intracytoplasmic form of IgM is expressed by pre-B cells whereas immature and a portion of mature B cells, including naive and memory B cells, express cell surface IgM
• These forms of IgM can also be expressed by cells from some leukemias or lymphomas
• Cell surface IgM is comprised of two type I transmembrane heavy chain glycoproteins (Igμ heavy chains) that are paired with immunoglobulin light chains of the same type, ie, either immunoglobulin kappa (Igκ) or lambda (Igλ) light chains
• Cell surface IgM serves as a receptor that can specifically bind to antigens, including those expressed by microbial pathogens, and trigger the clonal expansion and differentiations of B cells into antibody-secreting plasma cells
• A soluble pentameric form of IgM can be produced and secreted by plasma cells into the blood
• Pentameric IgM is comprised of 5 monomers that consist of two Igμ heavy chains and two light chains that are complexed with a polypeptide J-chain
• The UCH-B1 monoclonal antibody recognizes both cell surface and soluble human IgM
• IgM is an important component in the first line of defense against foreign pathogens, but may also play a role in autoimmune diseases
• The UCH-B1 antibody can reportedly activate or costimulate the proliferation of normal B cells or some transformed B cell lines.