Anti-Mouse TIM-2 – Purified in vivo GOLD™ Functional Grade

Clone RMT2-25 is a rat monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes mouse TIM-2 (T-cell Immunoglobulin Mucin 2), a cell surface glycoprotein involved in immune regulation. In in vivo mouse studies, RMT2-25 is primarily used to functionally block or probe TIM-2 pathway activity in immunological research.

Key uses of RMT2-25 in in vivo mouse models:

• Functional studies: RMT2-25 serves as a functional-grade antibody for blocking TIM-2, enabling researchers to investigate the biological roles of TIM-2 in processes such as T cell activation, Th2 immune responses, and broader immunomodulation.
• Mechanistic research: By administering RMT2-25 to mice, researchers can study how inhibition of TIM-2 affects immune cell function, disease progression, or therapeutic interventions.
• Antibody characteristics: The antibody is generated by immunizing rats with a TIM-2-Ig chimera and is purified to a functional grade suitable for in vivo use, meaning it is endotoxin-low and functionally validated for activity in mouse models.

Experimental applications commonly include:

• Immune response modulation: TIM-2 blockade using RMT2-25 can reveal its role as a negative regulator of T cell activation and Th2 cell-mediated responses in vivo.
• Disease models: Its use may extend to models of autoimmunity, inflammation, or allergy, where TIM-2 is implicated in disease mechanisms.

Although RMT2-25 is widely referenced as a tool for functional blocking and immune modulation in mice, published literature or supplier descriptions typically do not cite additional direct uses, such as cell depletion or therapeutic efficacy outside of blocking studies. As a rat anti-mouse monoclonal antibody, it should be used with appropriate controls to avoid anti-rat immune reactions if used for prolonged or repeated in vivo studies.

Summary Table

For detailed protocols and application-specific information, suppliers such as Invitrogen and Leinco provide product datasheets and functional validation.

For the sterile packaged clone RMT2-25 (TIM-2 monoclonal antibody), the recommended short-term storage temperature is typically at 2-8°C. However, for long-term storage, it's advisable to store at -20°C, avoiding freeze/thaw cycles. If the antibody is functional grade and sterile, it may be stored as received at 2-8°C for up to one month, but for longer storage, aliquoting and freezing at -20°C is recommended. Always ensure the storage conditions are consistent and protected from light if necessary.

The most commonly used antibodies or proteins with RMT2-25 (anti-TIM-2) in the literature are other monoclonal antibodies against members of the TIM family and costimulatory molecules, notably anti-TIM-1 (RMT1-17), anti-TIM-3 (RMT3-23), and anti-TIM-4 (RMT4-53), as well as antibodies such as anti-IgM, anti-CD40, and occasionally anti-CD3/anti-CD28 for T cell stimulation.

Key points from the literature:

• RMT2-25 is an antibody targeting mouse TIM-2, and is part of a series of TIM-family monoclonal antibodies used to dissect the role of these molecules in immune regulation.
• In comparative studies and immune signaling experiments, RMT2-25 is frequently used alongside:
  • RMT2-14 and RMT2-26 (other anti-TIM-2 monoclonal antibodies)
  • Anti-TIM-1 (RMT1-17), Anti-TIM-3 (RMT3-23), and Anti-TIM-4 (RMT4-53) for characterizing TIM family function in immune cells
  • Anti-IgM and anti-CD40 to stimulate B cells, often evaluating the regulatory effects of TIM-2 blockade
  • Anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 for T cell stimulation in parallel T cell activation experiments

Additional context:

• Researchers may also use isotype controls and general markers for B and T cell subsets, depending on experimental design.
• Other commonly used reagents in TIM-2 studies include proteins such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), particularly for B cell activation.
• For Western blot, flow cytometry, and ELISA, various secondary antibodies (e.g., anti-rat IgG for detection) are standard but are not unique to TIM-2 research.

In summary, RMT2-25 is most often paired with other TIM family monoclonal antibodies, costimulatory antibodies (anti-IgM, anti-CD40, anti-CD3, anti-CD28), and cytokines such as IL-4 for studies on B cell and T cell activation and signaling.

Based on the available research literature, clone RMT2-25 is a monoclonal antibody specifically targeting the T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-2 (TIM-2) protein, and the key findings from studies using this clone reveal important insights about TIM-2's biological functions.

Primary Characterization and Specificity

RMT2-25 is characterized as a monoclonal antibody clone that specifically binds to the TIM-2 protein, also known as T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing 2. This antibody has been conjugated with FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate) for fluorescent detection applications, making it valuable for flow cytometry and immunofluorescence studies.

Functional Blocking Activity

The most significant finding regarding RMT2-25 is its demonstrated blocking activity against TIM-2 function. Research has shown that RMT2-25, along with other anti-TIM-2 monoclonal antibodies like RMT2-26, exhibits stronger blocking activities compared to other clones such as RMT2-14. This blocking capability makes RMT2-25 particularly valuable for functional studies investigating TIM-2's role in immune responses.

Impact on Autoimmune Disease Models

Studies using RMT2-25 have revealed crucial insights about TIM-2's role in autoimmune diseases. When administered during the early phase of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), anti-TIM-2 monoclonal antibodies including RMT2-25 significantly exacerbated the development of CIA. Importantly, this exacerbation effect was timing-dependent, occurring only when treatment was given in the early phase but not in the late phase of disease development.

B Cell Function Modulation

Research with RMT2-25 has uncovered TIM-2's specific role in B cell biology. The antibody treatment led to significantly increased serum levels of anti-collagen II antibodies in treated mice, suggesting that TIM-2 normally acts as a negative regulator of antibody production. Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrated that anti-TIM-2 monoclonal antibodies, including RMT2-25, enhanced both proliferation and antibody production of activated B cells.

Cell Type Expression Patterns

Studies using RMT2-25 have helped define TIM-2's expression profile. The research confirmed that **TIM-2 expression