Clone REA209 recognizes CD42a, a 22 KDa transmembrane glycoprotein, which is also known as glycoprotein IX (GPIX). CD42a is a single-pass type I membrane protein with leucine rich motif containing a series of tandem repeats of a 24-amino acid sequence flanked by conserved disulfide loops, in its ligand binding domains. Expression of CD42a is found on platelets and megakaryocytes. CD42a, together with GPIb receptor complex and platelet glycoprotein V forms a complex which serves as the receptor for von Willebrand factor (VWF). The interaction of the GPIb-IX-V complex to VWF initiates initial platelet adhesion to vascular subendothelium after vascular injury, platelet activation, thrombosis, and hemostasis. Other known ligands for GPIb–IX–V include α-thrombin, clotting factors XI/XIIa, and high-molecular weight kininogen.
Additional information: Clone REA209 displays negligible binding to Fc receptors.
