Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG 170-081-035 CD203c-PE

Clone FR3-16A11 recognizes CD203c, a glycosylated type II transmembrane molecule that belongs to the family of ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/ phosphodiesterase (E-NPP3) enzymes. Among hematopoietic cells, expression of CD203c is restricted to basophils as well as to mast cells and their precursors, and has been described as specific for this lineage. Protein and/or mRNA expression of CD203c has also been found in solid tissues such as uterus or prostate. Basophils and mast cells are key producers of mediators that drive the onset of inflammatory responses, e.g., in allergy. Allergen challenge leads to a rapid up-regulation of activation markers such as CD203c or CD63. Due to its restricted expression pattern, CD203c is discussed as a specific marker to monitor the allergen-induced activation of basophils, e.g., in flow cytometric basophil activation tests of the peripheral blood.