CD49d Antibody [PS/2] (FITC)

VLA-4 belongs to the beta1-integrin family, which functions both as cell-matrix and cell-cell receptors. As a matrix receptor VLA-4 binds to an alternatively spliced domain of fibronectin, while as a cellular receptor it associates with its counter-receptor ligand VCAM-1. In addition to CD44/Pgp-1, VLA-4 has been shown to be important for lymphopoiesis, and is also believed to be important for extravasation of lymphocytes into sites of inflammation as a second signal in addition to LFA/ICAM-1. CD49d is expressed in low amounts on resting lymphocytes and monocytes, is absent or minimally detectable on stromal cells, whereas virtually all lymphoid and myeloid cells in bone marrow and in long-term culture are positive. Antibody PS/2 also reacts with human VLA-4.