CD21 (EP64), RMab

Summary and Explanation

CD21, also known as CR2, complement component (3d/Epstein Barr virus) receptor 2, is an integral membrane glycoprotein of molecular weight 140 kDa, involved in the complement system. CD21 binds to C3d. B-cells have CR2 receptors on their surfaces, allowing the complement system to play a role in B-cell activation and maturation. Complement component receptor-2 (CR2) is the membrane protein on B-lymphocytes to which the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) binds during infection of these cells.

CD21 antibody is useful in the identification of follicular dendritic cell matrixes found in normal lymph nodes and tonsillar tissue. This antibody also labels Follicular Dendritic Cell Tumor/Sarcomas. The antigen is absent on T-lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes.