The monoclonal antibody CROMA229 recognizes MCMV protein m06, also known as gp48.
m06 is a 48-kDa type I transmembrane glycoprotein, member of MCMV m04-m16 family that plays a role in MHC-I trafficking and immune evasion. m06 has early kinetics of expression (3h), peaking at 3–6 h post infection (Reusch, U. et al, The EMBO Journal. 1999). Unlike m04, this glycoprotein binds stably to MHC-I complexes in the ER transferring them via the Golgi apparatus to the trans-Golgi network and redirecting MHC I complexes to lysosomes for degradation, thus preventing their surface expression.
Our anti-m06 antibody has been validated in WB (MCMV infected cell lysates) and in intracellular flow cytometry (MCMV infected cells).