This antibody reacts with a PI-linked glycoprotein, Mw 18-20 kDa found on all types of leucocytes including platelets. MEM-43 has been shown to stimulate NK activity.
CD59 is an LY6 like protein expressed in human lymphoid cells (haemapoietic and non- haemapoietic cells), regulates the action of the complement membrane attack complex on homologous cells. It is a potent inhibitor of the complement membrane attack complex action. It acts by binding to the C8 and/or C9 complements of the membrane attack complex, thereby preventing incorporation of the multiple copies of C9 required for complete formation of the osmolytic pore. This inhibitor appears to be species-specific. CD59 is also involved in signal transduction for T-cell activation complexed to a protein tyrosine kinaseSynonyms: 20 kDa homologous restriction factor, HRF-20, HRF20, MAC-IP, MAC-inhibitory protein, MACIF, MEM43 antigen, MIC11, MIN1, MIN2, MIN3, MIRL, MSK21, Membrane attack complex inhibition factor, Membrane inhibitor of reactive lysis, Protectin