CD126 is an 80 kD IL-6 receptor α chain also known as IL-6R. It is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that is expressed on plasma cells, T cells, activated B cells, monocytes, granulocytes, hepatocytes, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. Functional IL-6 receptors are formed by the non-covalent association of CD126 and the IL-6 receptor β chain (CD130 or gp130). CD126 binds IL-6 with low affinity but does not signal. The β chain (gp130, CD130) does not bind IL-6 by itself but associates with the α-chain/IL-6 complex to initiate signal transduction. IL-6 binding to the receptor complex results in the stimulation of B and T cells, and hematopoietic precursor proliferation and differentiation. A soluble form of CD126 has been found in human serum.

Each lot of this antibody is quality control tested by immunofluorescent staining with flow cytometric analysis. For flow cytometric staining, the suggested use of this reagent is ≤1.0 microg per million cells in 100 microL volume. It is recommended that the reagent be titrated for optimal performance for each application.

1. Huang YW and Vitetta ES. 1993. Hybridoma 12:621.