anti-CD19 (human), Rabbit Monoclonal (RM332)

CD19 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and has two Ig like domains. The CD19 molecule is expressed on 100% of the peripheral B cells as defined by expression of kappa or lambda light chains. CD19 appears to be expressed on myeloid leukemia cells, particularly those of monocytic lineage. The receptor for CD19 is an important functional regulator of normal and malignant B cell proliferation, and is expressed in all B cell precursor leukemias. Lymphocytes proliferate and differentiate in response to various concentrations of different antigens. The ability of the B cell to respond in a specific, yet sensitive manner to the various antigens is achieved with the use of low-affinity antigen receptors. CD19 is a cell surface molecule which assembles with the antigen receptor of B lymphocytes in order to decrease the threshold for antigen receptor-dependent stimulation. Besides being a signal-amplifying coreceptor for the B cell receptor (BCR), CD19 can also signal independently of BCR co-ligation and is a central regulatory component upon which multiple signaling pathways converge. Mutation of the CD19 gene results in hypogammaglobulinemia, whereas CD19 overexpression causes B cell hyperactivity. CD19 is a biomarker for normal and neoplastic B cells, as well as follicular dendritic cells. CD19 is critically involved in establishing intrinsic B cell signaling thresholds through modulating both B cell receptor-dependent and independent signaling.