The CD146 (LSEC) MicroBeads were developed for the positive selection or depletion of CD146+ cells from mouse tissues.
CD146 is a transmembrane glycoprotein and belongs to the IgG superfamily of cell adhesion molecules.1 The CD146 (LSEC) antibody binds to mouse liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) which are microvascular endothelial cells lining the hepatic sinusoidal wall and mainly contribute to the control of immune responses against circulating soluble antigens in the liver. Their strategic positioning favors a tight interaction with lymphocytes migrating through the liver. LSECs possess a high capacity for antigen uptake and processing but express, in contrast to professional antigen-presenting cells (e.g. dendritic cells), only low levels of costimulatory molecules.2
The CD146 (LSEC) antibody also binds to endothelial cells from a various range of organs, such as skin, liver, kidney, brain, spleen, lymph node, intestine, heart and skeletal muscle as well as on blood vessel structures, such as pulmonary arteries, veins, and the capillary network of the alveolar walls but not on lymphatic endothelium. In contrast to humans that express CD146 also on T cells or follicular dendritic cells, murine CD146 expression was only found on a subset of NK1.1+ cells at low levels.3
Endothelial cells from spleens, lungs, kidneys, and livers3 as well as LSECs from liver4 have been selected using the CD146 (LSEC) MicroBeads. Mouse LSECs isolated with CD146 (LSEC) MicroBeads are suitable for functional studies and co-culture experiments.
For positive selection: MS, LS, XS, or autoMACS® Columns. For depletion: LD, D, or autoMACS Columns.
