Rat IgG2c is a subclass of immunoglobulin G (IgG) found in rats, part of the adaptive immune system’s humoral response. IgG antibodies are divided into subclasses (IgG1. IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG2c, etc.) based on structural differences in their heavy chains, which influence their functional properties. Rat IgG2c, encoded by the *Ighg2c* gene, shares similarities with mouse IgG2a and IgG2c in terms of effector functions, such as complement activation and Fc receptor binding. It is typically associated with Th1-type immune responses, often elicited during viral infections or in response to protein antigens, and plays a role in pathogen neutralization, opsonization, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
In research, Rat IgG2c antibodies are widely used as primary or secondary reagents in immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, Western blot, flow cytometry) and in vivo models. Their specificity and low cross-reactivity with other species’ IgG make them valuable for detecting rat-derived antigens or in dual-labeling experiments with mouse antibodies. Monoclonal Rat IgG2c antibodies are particularly favored for consistency in binding affinity and reproducibility. However, cross-reactivity with mouse IgG2a/c may occur due to structural homology, necessitating careful validation in multiplex assays.
Understanding the subclass-specific traits of Rat IgG2c—such as its half-life, Fc receptor interactions, and complement activation potential—is critical for experimental design, therapeutic applications, and interpreting immunological outcomes.