Anti-CD74w (Clone: LN-2)

CD74, a Type-II transmembrane protein, is a unique member of RIP-processed protein family. It consists of an extracytoplasmic domain, a transmembrane segment and an intracytoplasmic domain. It is expressed in B-cells, monocytes, macrophages and other Class II MHC expressing cells. CD74 associates with alpha and beta chains of HLA-DR (MHC class II) and directs intracellular sorting of MHC class II molecules. It has a prominent role in antigen presentation and as an accessory signaling molecule. Cell-surface CD74 binds to MIF and its expression is required for MIF-mediated ERK1/2-phosphorylation, PGE2 production and cell proliferation. CD74 regulates B-cell differentiation and acts as a survival receptor through activation of NF-kB p65/RelA homodimer. Pathological role of CD74 has been identified in different cancers including Multiple Myeloma. Protein function: Plays a critical role in MHC class II antigen processing by stabilizing peptide-free class II alpha/beta heterodimers in a complex soon after their synthesis and directing transport of the complex from the endoplasmic reticulum to the endosomal/lysosomal system where the antigen processing and binding of antigenic peptides to MHC class II takes place. Serves as cell surface receptor for the cytokine MIF. [The UniProt Consortium]