Anti-MICA Antibody

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins are ubiquitously expressed and mediate the recognition of intracellular antigens by cytotoxic T cells. A related family, termed the MHC class I chain-related (MIC) proteins are recognized by NKG2D, a receptor on NK and T cells, and promote anti-tumor activity. MICA, a member of the MIC family, is widely expressed on many tumors, and it is the MICA/NKG2D interaction that is thought to stimulate the anti-tumor reactivity by T lymphocytes. Both MICA and MICB mRNA are widely expressed in normal tissues, with MICA being present in virtually every tissue except the nervous system, suggesting that MIC protein expression may only be one component of the anti-tumor activity of the immune system.

MICA antibody was raised against a 16 amino acid synthetic peptide from near the carboxy terminus of human MICA. The immunogen is located within the last 50 amino acids of MICA.

Widely expressed with the exception of the central nervous system where it is absent. Expressed predominantly in gastric epithelium and also in monocytes, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and in the outer layer of Hassal's corpuscles within the medulla of normal thymus. In skin, expressed mainly in the keratin layers, basal cells, ducts and follicles. Also expressed in many, but not all, epithelial tumors of lung, breast, kidney, ovary, prostate and colon. In thyomas, overexpressed in cortical and medullar epithelial cells. Tumors expressing MICA display increased levels of gamma delta T-cells.

Seems to have no role in antigen presentation. Acts as a stress-induced self-antigen that is recognized by gamma delta T- cells. Ligand for the KLRK1/NKG2D receptor. Binding to KLRK1 leads to cell lysis.