Focus on CD nomenclature for G-protein coupled receptors
Since the early 1980s, Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigen (HLDA) Workshops have been organized to define and validate newly generated monoclonal antibodies to leukocyte cell-surface molecules. Approved antibodies have been defined into clusters of differentiation (CD), and currently antibodies to more than 400 surface molecules have received CD nomenclature under the umbrella of the IUIS nomenclature committee.
HLDA Workshops are wet workshops based on an international exchange and blind evaluation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) submitted by numerous academic laboratories and/or companies. The main goal has been to identify mAbs reacting with a common antigen. The basic strategy is to assess a given mAb’s reactivity with a large number of different cells, followed by statistical analysis of the resulting expression data, as well as detailed examination of the biochemical nature and molecular mass of the target antigen, and the reactivity with transfected cells.
The upcoming 11th HLDA workshop will be focused on antibodies against G protein-coupled receptors. These molecules belongs to one of the largest gene family of receptors expressed on the cell-surface. The study of new mAbs against these molecules will improve our knowledge of their expression on cells of the immune system and their potential as new diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets.
If you have generated monoclonal antibodies to human G-protein coupled receptors, and want to have these tested for CD nomenclature assignment, please visit the HCDM web page on how to submit: www.hcdm.org.
On behalf of the CD Nomenclature sub-committee,
Pablo Engel, chair
