The CD42a antibody targets the glycoprotein IX (GPIX), a component of the platelet surface receptor complex GPIb-IX-V. This complex plays a critical role in primary hemostasis by mediating platelet adhesion to von Willebrand factor (VWF) at sites of vascular injury. CD42a (GPIX) associates with GPIbα (CD42b) and GPIbβ (CD42c) to form the functional receptor, which is essential for platelet activation and aggregation.
CD42a antibodies are widely used in diagnostic and research settings to identify and quantify platelets via flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence. They are particularly valuable in diagnosing inherited platelet disorders, such as Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS), where mutations in GPIX or other complex components impair platelet function. In BSS, reduced or absent CD42a expression helps confirm the diagnosis.
Additionally, these antibodies aid in studying thrombocytopenia mechanisms, monitoring platelet transfusions, and evaluating megakaryocyte development in bone marrow. Their specificity makes them indispensable tools in hematology research and clinical laboratories for understanding platelet biology and related pathologies. Commercial CD42a clones (e.g., HI111) are validated for consistent performance across applications, ensuring reliability in both experimental and diagnostic workflows.