Alexa Fluor® 488 Rat Anti-Mouse CD3 Antibody (17A2)

CD3, also known as the cluster of differentiation 3, is a protein complex found on the surface of T cells, playing a crucial role in the immune system. It consists of four distinct chains: CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, and CD3ζ. These chains form a complex that associates noncovalently with the T-cell receptor (TCR) to form the TCR complex, which is essential for recognizing antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. When the TCR binds to an antigen-MHC complex, the CD3 complex transmits signals into the T cell, initiating a cascade of intracellular events that lead to T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. This process is vital for the immune response against pathogens and abnormal cells. CD3 is also involved in T cell development and maturation in the thymus. Given its central role in T cell function, CD3 is a key target in immunotherapy for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.