| The N418 antibody reacts with mouse CD11c, also known as integrin alphaalpha X. This 150 kDa cell surface glycoprotein is part of a family of integrin alphareceptors that mediate adhesion between cells (cell-cell) and components of the extracellular matrix, e.g. fibrinogen (cell-matrix). In addition, integrin alphas are active signaling receptors which recruit leukocytes to inflammatory sites and promote cell activation. Complete, functional integrin alphareceptors consist of distinct combinations of integrin alphachains which are differentially expressed. integrin alphaalpha X (CD11c) assembles with integrin alphabeta-2 (CD18) into a receptor complex known as CR4 which can bind and induce signaling through ICAMs and VCAM-1 on endothelial cells and can also facilitate removal of iC3b bearing foreign cells. |