HLA-E Pro5® Pentamers

HLA-E is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule that is characterized by a limited polymorphism and broad expression on many cell types. HLA-E associates with peptides from leader sequences of various MHC class I molecules. HLA-E binding peptides deriving from viruses (e.g. cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and Influenza) and heat shock proteins (e.g. hsp60) have also been identified. HLA-E interacts with the CD94/NKG2 receptor on NK cells, and may also be directly recognized by T cells. Cells stained with HLA-E Pro5® Pentamer can be analyzed by flow cytometry. The figure shows example staining on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

1 x 10⁶ peripheral blood cells were stained using an E*0101/VMAPRTLIL-specific R-PE-labeled Pro5® Pentamer. The Pentamer was used in conjunction with an anti-CD3 antibody to distinguish NK cells (CD3 negative) from mature T cells (CD3 positive).

The Pro5® Pentamer E*0101/VMAPRTLIL is available to purchase online or through our standard ordering methods. Please contact us if you are interested in HLA-E loaded with an alternative peptide.

Braud, VM. et al. (1998). HLA-E binds to natural killer cell receptors CD94/NKG2A, B and C. Nature, 391: 795-9. PubMedID:9486650

Pietra, G. et al. (2003). HLA-E-restricted recognition of cytomegalovirus-derived peptides by human CD8+ cytolytic T lymphocytes. PNAS, 100: 10896-901.PubMedID:12960383