Abcam, ab281899, Anti-Alpha Gal antibody [m86] - Human IgM (Chimeric)

Size: 50µg
Human Recombinant Monoclonal Alpha Gal antibody. Suitable for ICC, Flow Cyt, WB and reacts with Chemical samples.
Key facts
Host species:Human,
Clonality:Monoclonal,
Clone number:m86,
Isotype:IgM,
Light chain type:kappa,
Carrier free:No,
Applications:ICC, WB, Flow CytSee reactivity dataSee the reactivity data table below for information on validated species and application combinations.,
Specificity:ab281899 binds to the alpha-gal epitope on glycoproteins and glycolipids.

Product details:
This human monoclonal chimeric antibody was made using the variable domain sequences of the original Mouse IgM format, for improved compatibility with existing reagents, assays and techniques.
This antibody does not have a J-chain and therefore presents as a hexamer, rather than a pentamer.
What are the advantages of a recombinant monoclonal antibody?
This product is a recombinant monoclonal antibody, which offers several advantages including:
- High batch-to-batch consistency and reproducibility
- Improved sensitivity and specificity
- Long-term security of supply
- Animal-free batch production
For more information, read more on
recombinant antibodies

Properties and Storage Information:
Form-Liquid, Purification technique-Affinity purification, Purification notes-Recombinant lectin column., Storage buffer-Preservative: 0.02% Proclin 300Constituents: PBS, Shipped at conditions-Blue Ice, Appropriate short-term storage duration-1-2 weeks, Appropriate short-term storage conditions-+4°C, Appropriate long-term storage conditions--20°C, Aliquoting information-Upon delivery aliquot, Storage information-Avoid freeze / thaw cycle

Supplementary Information:
This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.
Alpha-gal also known as the alpha-gal epitope is a carbohydrate structure that consists of galactose-alpha-13-galactose. This epitope is present primarily on glycolipids and glycoproteins in non-primate mammals and New World monkeys. It is not naturally found in humans apes or Old World monkeys. The m-86 protein a hypothetical protein interacts with this epitope. Due to the absence of alpha-gal in humans the body can produce antibodies specifically anti-gal antibodies against this target. These antibodies are the most abundant in human serum constituting about 1% of the circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG).
Biological function summary
Alpha-gal plays a significant role in xenotransplantation where animal organs or tissues are transplanted into human patients. The presence of the alpha-gal epitope on the donor animal's tissues can trigger a strong immune response leading to rejection of the graft. This is due to the binding of anti-gal antibodies to the alpha-gal epitope activating the complement pathway and recruiting immune cells. Alpha-gal's importance in mediating immune reactions makes it a focus for medical research especially in modifying donor tissues to reduce rejection risk.
Pathways
Alpha-gal influences the complement system and other immune response pathways. These pathways get activated when anti-gal antibodies bind to alpha-gal epitopes on foreign tissues. The complement pathway part of the innate immune system leads to inflammation and cell lysis. The binding of antibodies also connects alpha-gal to the pathways involving immunoglobulins and antigen-antibody interaction. Proteins such as complement C3 and C5 can interact with the antibodies targeting the alpha-gal which leads to opsonization and further immune response activation.
Alpha-gal is most closely associated with alpha-gal syndrome a type of allergy to red meat triggered by the bite of certain ticks such as the lone star tick. Following a tick bite individuals can develop IgE antibodies to alpha-gal leading to allergic reactions upon consuming mammalian meats and related products. This syndrome highlights the role of alpha-gal in allergies and highlights the importance of immunity regulation in these processes. Proteins like IgE have direct involvement in the allergic pathway where alpha-gal is the triggering epitope.