The CD3 antibody recognizes the human CD3 antigen which is present on mature human T cells, thymocytes, and NKT cells. The epitope recognized by the antibody is located on the ε-chain of the CD3 complex. Clone OKT3 has been shown to activate T cell function.
Activation and proliferation of T cells can be induced by interaction of the T cell receptor with peptide-MHC complexes expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The T cell receives a signal transduced through the CD3 complex. Cytokines or other costimulatory signals are required in addition. Activated T cells can be used for any downstream processes, such as cytokine analysis or immunoprecipitation. Cells can also be transfected with high efficiency.
