APC Anti-Mouse CD49b (pan-NK, integrin α2) Antibody

Product Details


CloneDX5
ApplicationFlow Cytometry
ReactivityMouse
FormatAPC
Target NameCD49b, Integrin alpha 2 chain, ITGA2
IsotypeRat IgM
Antibody TypeMonoclonal
Regulatory StatusRUO
FormulationPhosphate-buffered solution, pH 7.2, containing 0.09% sodium azide and 0.2% (w/v) BSA
Protein ConcentrationSupplied at a lot-specific concentration.
Storage&HandlingThe antibody solution should be stored undiluted between 2°C and 8°C, and protected from prolonged exposure to light. Do not freeze.
Recommended UsageFor flow cytometric staining, it is recommended to use 5 µL of this reagent per 0.5-1.0 million cells in a 100 µL volume. Optimal reagent performance should be determined by titration for each specific application. APC has an excitation max at 650 nm and an emission max at 660 nm.
Excitation LaserRed Laser (633 nm)
RRIDAB_3739102
Research AreasAdhesion Molecules, NK cells, Tr1 cells, Platelets
See All FormatsClone DX5

Background Information


Mouse CD49b, also known as integrin α2 (Itga2), is a cell surface adhesion receptor best known in immunology as a defining marker of natural killer (NK) cells in mice. CD49b pairs with the integrin β1 subunit (CD29) to form the α2β1 integrin, also referred to as very late antigen-2 (VLA-2). Through this heterodimeric complex, CD49b mediates cell adhesion, migration, and signaling, supporting immune cell interactions with the extracellular matrix and other cells.

Structurally, CD49b is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein with a large extracellular domain, a single transmembrane helix, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular region contains an inserted (I) domain, also called an A domain, which is responsible for ligand binding and requires divalent cations such as Mg2+ or Mn2+ for activity. Like other integrins, CD49b undergoes conformational changes that regulate ligand affinity and enable bidirectional “inside-out” and “outside-in” signaling. The cytoplasmic tail lacks intrinsic enzymatic activity but associates with adaptor proteins that link the receptor to the actin cytoskeleton.

The primary ligands for mouse CD49b are extracellular matrix proteins, most notably collagen types I, II, and IV, as well as laminin. Binding to these ligands enables NK cells and other CD49b-expressing cells to adhere to tissue matrices and migrate within peripheral tissues. Through α2β1 integrin signaling, CD49b contributes to cellular activation, survival, and cytotoxic function, particularly in tissue-resident or tissue-infiltrating immune populations.

CD49b has important implications in disease and immune regulation. In mouse models, CD49b expression is widely used to identify and study NK cells and NKT cell subsets, including in cancer, infection, and autoimmune disease research. Altered α2β1 integrin signaling has been linked to dysregulated immune cell trafficking, chronic inflammation, and fibrotic processes. In cancer models, CD49b-positive NK cells play a key role in antitumor immunity through their ability to localize to tumor tissues and mediate cytotoxic responses.

Therapeutically, mouse CD49b is primarily leveraged as a biomarker and experimental targeting handle rather than a direct clinical target. Antibodies against CD49b (such as DX5) are widely used to identify, isolate, or deplete NK cells in preclinical studies. Insights gained from CD49b-defined NK cell biology inform the development of NK cell–based immunotherapies and strategies aimed at enhancing immune cell trafficking and function, underscoring the translational relevance of this integrin in immunology research.

The HMα2 antibody has been shown to be useful for partially blocking CD49b mediated interactions with collagen. Additionally, this antibody blocks staining of splenic NK cells by the monoclonal antibody DX5.

Isotype Control


APC Rat IgM Isotype Control Antibody

Data Sheets


APC Anti-Mouse CD49b (pan-NK, integrin α2) Antibody TDS

Related Protocols


Flow Cytometry Protocol

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Frequently Asked Questions


How do I determine the optimal antibody concentration/titer for my experiment?
We recommend titrating each new antibody lot on your own cell type and instrument, since optimal concentration depends on cell density, target expression level, and cytometer sensitivity. Suggested starting dilutions or test sizes (e.g., µg or µl per 10^6 cells) are provided on the product page as a starting reference point, not a fixed requirement.

Can these antibodies be used for intracellular or intranuclear staining, or only surface staining?
Intended use (surface, intracellular, or both) is specified per product, indicated under Application. The appropriate Related Protocol is linked for each product. If you need to detect both surface and intracellular markers in the same panel, confirm each antibody's compatibility with your fixation/permeabilization protocol before combining them.

What controls should I use alongside these antibodies?
Matched isotype controls (same host species, isotype, and conjugate) are available for most clones to help distinguish specific binding from background/non-specific staining and are linked on each product page. Unstained, single-color compensation, and fluorescence-minus-one (FMO) controls are also recommended, especially for multicolor panel design.

Can I combine InnoCyto Flow Cytometry antibodies into a multicolor panel?
Yes — antibodies across our catalog are designed to be panel-compatible, and conjugate options are offered specifically to support multiplexing. When building a panel, pair bright fluorophores with low-expression targets, avoid excessive spectral overlap, and confirm compensation is set up correctly for your specific fluorochrome combination. Use our Panel Builder to simplify the process.

Have a product or application question? Consult our FAQs or contact us.