Anti-CD46 / Membrane Cofactor Protein Monoclonal Antibody (Clone:MEM-258)-Azide free

CD46 (MCP, membrane cofactor protein) is a multifunctional cell surface transmembrane protein that binds and inactivates C3b and C4b complement fragments, regulates T cell-induced inflammatory responses by either inhibiting (CD46-1 isoform) or increasing (CD46-2 isoform) the contact hypersensitivity reaction. CD46 also serves as a receptor for several human pathogens (both bacteria and viruses), and its ligation alteres T lymphocyte polarization toward antigen-presenting cells or target cells, inhibiting lymphocyte function. CD46 is a protector of placental tissue and is also expressed on the inner acrosomal membrane of spermatozoa. Protein function: Acts as a cofactor for complement factor I, a serine protease which protects autologous cells against complement- mediated injury by cleaving C3b and C4b deposited on host tissue. May be involved in the fusion of the spermatozoa with the oocyte during fertilization. Also acts as a costimulatory factor for T- cells which induces the differentiation of CD4+ into T-regulatory 1 cells. T-regulatory 1 cells suppress immune responses by secreting interleukin-10, and therefore are thought to prevent autoimmunity. [The UniProt Consortium]