Mouse Anti-Rat MHC II (RT1D) Antibody (OX-17)

MHC II (Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II) proteins are a class of cell surface molecules expressed by antigen-presenting cells (such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells). They are responsible for presenting exogenous antigenic peptides to CD4+ T helper cells, thereby initiating adaptive immune responses. MHC II molecules consist of two transmembrane chains (α and β) that form a peptide-binding groove, which binds and displays antigenic peptides derived from extracellular pathogens or proteins. Their expression is regulated by immune modulators (such as IFN-γ) and plays a critical role in autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and infection immunity. The diversity of MHC II is encoded by highly polymorphic genes, ensuring a broad capacity for antigen recognition, making it a core mechanism of the immune system for identifying and eliminating pathogens.