CD1C antibodies target the CD1c protein, a member of the CD1 family of antigen-presenting molecules. CD1 molecules are structurally related to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins but specialize in presenting lipid-based antigens to T cells, bridging innate and adaptive immunity. CD1c, along with CD1a, CD1b, and CD1d, belongs to the group 1 CD1 proteins (CD1a–e), which are expressed on dendritic cells, B cells, and certain epithelial cells. It consists of a heavy α-chain non-covalently linked to β2-microglobulin, forming a hydrophobic antigen-binding groove optimized for lipid loading. CD1c plays a critical role in immune surveillance by presenting microbial glycolipids (e.g., from *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*) or self-lipids to specific T-cell subsets, such as CD1c-restricted T cells.
CD1C antibodies are essential tools for detecting CD1c expression in research and diagnostics. They are widely used in flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting to study antigen presentation mechanisms, immune cell interactions, and CD1c-associated pathologies, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Certain clones (e.g., L161. F4/2A3) are validated for specificity across applications, enabling precise localization and functional studies. Dysregulated CD1c expression has been linked to tumor microenvironments and immune evasion, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Research using CD1C antibodies continues to unravel its role in lipid immunity and disease modulation.