The CD158E1 antibody targets the CD158e1 antigen, a member of the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family. KIRs are transmembrane glycoproteins expressed primarily on natural killer (NK) cells and subsets of T lymphocytes. These receptors regulate NK cell activity by interacting with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules, balancing immune responses to prevent autoimmunity while enabling pathogen or tumor cell recognition. CD158E1. specifically encoded by the *KIR3DL1* gene, binds to HLA-B antigens carrying the Bw4 epitope, delivering inhibitory signals to suppress NK cell cytotoxicity upon HLA recognition. This interaction is critical in viral immunity, transplantation tolerance, and cancer surveillance.
CD158E1 antibodies are essential tools for studying KIR3DL1 expression patterns, functional mechanisms, and their roles in disease. In research, they help elucidate how KIR-HLA mismatches influence outcomes in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or correlate with disease susceptibility, such as in HIV progression or autoimmune disorders. Therapeutically, blocking CD158E1 may enhance NK cell-mediated tumor lysis, a strategy explored in cancer immunotherapy. Conversely, agonist antibodies might dampen hyperactive immune responses. Commercial CD158E1 antibodies are typically validated for flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, or functional assays, aiding both basic and clinical investigations into NK cell biology and immune regulation.