Anti-Ms NK1.1 (CD161), PK136, PE, 100µg

This PE-conjugated monoclonal antibody from STEMCELL Technologies, clone PK136, is specific for mouse NK1.1 (CD161). It is a mouse IgG2a, kappa antibody produced in a (C3H x BALB/c) F1 hybrid host and raised against NK-1+ cells from mouse spleen and bone marrow.

NK1.1 (CD161) is an approximately 80 kDa homodimeric type 2 transmembrane glycoprotein and C-type lectin receptor encoded by the Klrb1b and Klrb1c genes, which specify the CD161b and CD161c polypeptides. The antigen is expressed on NK cells, NK-T cells, and rare subsets of T cells and monocytes in select mouse strains, where it has functional roles in modulating NK cell activation and proliferation, inducing interferon-γ production, and supporting release of cytotoxic granules. Surface expression is specifically upregulated by IL-12. Reactivity is strain-specific: CD161b is expressed only in Swiss NIH and SJL mice, whereas CD161c is found in strains such as C57BL, FVB/N, and NZB, but not in A, AKR, BALB/c, CBA/J, C3H, C57BR, C58, DBA/1, DBA/2, NOD, or 129.

The reagent is verified for flow cytometry and has been used for NK cell phenotyping and for purity assessments of cells isolated from NK1.1+ mouse strains (including C57BL/6, FVB/N, NZB, Swiss NIH, and SJL) with EasySep kits. It is formulated in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2) containing 0.09% sodium azide and 0.1% gelatin, purified by affinity chromatography, and conjugated with PE. For flow cytometry, the suggested use is ≤ 0.5 μg per 1 x 10^6 cells in 100 μL, with titration recommended for optimal performance. The antibody should be stored undiluted at 2 – 8 °C; it should not be frozen and should be protected from prolonged exposure to light. For research use only.