Anti-Rat CD4 (Clone OX-38) – Purified in vivo GOLD™ Functional Grade

The clone OX-38 is not typically used in in vivo mouse studies. Instead, it is utilized in studies involving rats, as it targets the rat CD4 antigen. Here's how it is generally used:

1. In Vivo Depletion of CD4+ T Cells: The OX-38 antibody is effective in depleting CD4+ T cells in rats. This is useful for studying the role of T helper cells in immune responses and for models involving autoimmune diseases or transplantation.

2. Immune Response Studies: By depleting CD4+ T cells, researchers can investigate how these cells influence immune responses and pathologies in rat models. This can provide insights into mechanisms of disease and potential therapeutic strategies.

3. Transplantation Studies: OX-38 has been used to enhance allograft survival in rat models by reducing the number of CD4+ T cells, which are significant in graft rejection.

Since OX-38 targets rat CD4 and is not described as being used in mouse studies, it is primarily used in research involving rats. If mouse studies are needed, different antibodies specific to mouse CD4 might be used instead.

The correct storage temperature for sterile packaged clone OX-38 is 2–8°C (refrigerator temperature), and it should be protected from prolonged exposure to light and not frozen.

This guidance is consistent across authoritative product datasheets for OX-38 anti-rat CD4 monoclonal antibodies. Storing at this temperature maintains the stability and sterility of the antibody; exposure to lower temperatures (freezing) or higher temperatures (room temperature) may compromise its integrity and functionality.

• Do not freeze the product, as freezing can damage the protein structure.
• Protect from prolonged light exposure by storage in the original packaging if possible.

Additional handling instructions include avoiding frost-free freezers as temperature fluctuations may impact product quality.

Commonly used antibodies or proteins in the literature with OX-38—a monoclonal antibody against rat CD4—include:

• W3/25 (anti-rat CD4): Frequently used alongside OX-38 for the analysis of rat CD4+ cells. Both antibodies target the CD4 molecule but recognize different epitopes; OX-38 and W3/25 can thus be used in parallel or for competitive binding assays.

• OX-1 (anti-rat CD5): Used in combination panels to identify and characterize T-cell subsets, as CD5 is another marker on rat T-cells.

• OX-8 (anti-rat CD8): Commonly paired with OX-38 to distinguish between CD4+ (helper) and CD8+ (cytotoxic) T-cell populations in rat immune profiling.

• Isotype controls: For experiments using OX-38 (mouse IgG2a, ?), isotype-matched controls such as Mouse IgG2a, ? (e.g., C1.18.4 clone) are essential for differentiating specific from non-specific binding in flow cytometry.

• Other lineage and activation markers: In more complex immunophenotyping, antibodies against markers such as CD45RA, CD25, and TCR??/?? are used for further T-cell subset discrimination.

OX-38 is often used in multiparameter flow cytometry or sorting panels, with these antibodies enabling detailed characterization of T-cell subtypes and immune responses. OX-38 is also referenced in literature as being effective in vitro for T helper cell depletion, typically in experiments involving rat models.

The selection of additional antibodies depends on the specific goals—e.g., assessing activation state, lineage commitment, or depletion—so OX-38 is routinely found in panels with other rat T-cell markers and controls.

Key Findings from Clone OX-38 Citations in Scientific Literature

Clone OX-38 is a mouse monoclonal antibody (IgG2a, ? isotype) specific for rat CD4, commonly used in immunological research.

Major Uses and Research Applications

• CD4 T Cell Depletion in Rats: OX-38 has been used to selectively deplete CD4 T cells in rat models, administered via intraperitoneal injection (5 mg/kg for five consecutive days, then 1 mg/rat twice weekly). This approach enables researchers to study the functional role of CD4 T cells in immune responses, including the evaluation of vaccine efficacy and the dissection of immune mechanisms in respiratory infections.
• Characterization of CD4 Protein: CD4 is a 55 kDa glycoprotein member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, expressed on thymocytes, macrophages, and helper T cells. It acts as a co-receptor that interacts with MHC class II molecules and is critical for T cell activation.
• Technical Specifications: OX-38 is validated for flow cytometry applications, with recommended usage at 2 ?g/mL for staining rat splenocytes. The antibody is available in unconjugated form, with a concentration of ?1 mg/mL, and is stable for long-term storage at -20°C.

Insights from Experimental Use

• Modeling Immune Function: Administration of OX-38 allows researchers to investigate the consequences of CD4 T cell depletion in vivo, providing insights into the necessity of these cells for immune defense and the development of immunological memory.
• Control Experiments: In studies employing OX-38, appropriate isotype control antibodies (e.g., 55-6, mouse anti-HIV-1 gp120 IgG2a) are used to confirm the specificity of observed effects.

Summary Table: Clone OX-38 at a Glance

Conclusion

Clone OX-38 is a well-established tool for rat immunology research, particularly for in vivo CD4 T cell depletion and flow cytometric analysis of the CD4+ T cell compartment. Its use has contributed to fundamental findings on the role of CD4 T cells in immune responses and vaccine efficacy, especially in respiratory infection models.