Anti-CD59, clone SPM616

1 mg/ml in sterile PBS, BSA free, sodium azide free. CD59 is a glycosyl phosphatidyl-inositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface protein. CD59 attaches to host cells via a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. When complement activation leads to deposition of C5b678 on host cells, it can prevent C9 from polymerizing and forming the complement membrane attack complex. Mutations affecting GPI that reduce expression of CD59 and decay-accelerating factor on red blood cells result in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Viruses such as HIV, human cytomegalovirus and vaccinia incorporate host cell CD59 into their own viral envelope to prevent lysis by complement. [Wiki] Protein function: Potent inhibitor of the complement membrane attack complex (MAC) action. Acts by binding to the C8 and/or C9 complements of the assembling MAC, thereby preventing incorporation of the multiple copies of C9 required for complete formation of the osmolytic pore. This inhibitor appears to be species-specific. Involved in signal transduction for T-cell activation complexed to a protein tyrosine kinase. [The UniProt Consortium]