CD14 (cluster of differentiation 14) is a glycoprotein primarily expressed on the surface of macrophages and monocytes, and to a lesser extent by dendritic cells and neutrophils. As a multifunctional lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, CD14 plays a key role as a co-receptor for several Toll-like receptors (TLRs) facilitating in the detection of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In the presence of lipopolysaccharide-binding proteins (LBP), CD14 molecules can bind LPS which promotes LPS endocytosis and initiates the TRIF-dependent signaling pathway leading to the activation of vital transcription factors, such as the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) transcription factors.

CD14 is present in two forms, either anchored to the cell surface or as a soluble CD14 protein found in circulation. Cell surface CD14, or mCD14, is anchored to the membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol tail and is mainly distributed on the surface of mature macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils. This 55 kDa glycoprotein consists of a polypeptide chain approximately 356 amino acid residues long, which contains N-terminal residues at segments 39 to 44 that are essential for LPS binding. This interaction between LPS/LBP and CD14 results in the production of cytokines and the initiation of an immune response.

Soluble CD14, or sCD14, is somewhat smaller than that of mCD14, weighing ?48 kDa. It is produced by monocytes and appears in circulation either after shedding of mCD14 under the catalysis of proteases or it can be directly secreted by intracellular vesicles. Soluble CD14 competes with mCD14 for LPS binding and depending upon the concentration, normal or elevated, sCD14 can behave as either an LPS agonist or antagonist, respectively. In clinical diagnostics, elevated plasma levels of sCD14 are closely associated with HIV-related mortality.

Monoclonal antibodies, designed to recognize and react with the human CD14, are frequently used in flow cytometry and immunofluorescence applications to identify immune cell subsets expressing CD14. Cells known to express CD14 surface markers include macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, dendritic cells, Langerhans cells and granulocytes.

AAT Bioquest offers a comprehensive catalog of CD14 antibodies purified by affinity chromatography and conjugated to a variety of fluorophores under optimal conditions that minimize unconjugated fluorophore and antibody. Available fluorophores include:

The following table outlines the fluorescence properties of available iFluor® dye labeled anti-human CD14 antibodies for use in flow cytometry (FACS), immunoblotting (WB) and fluorescence imaging applications. Conjugates made with iFluor® dyes exhibit superior brightness and photostability, outperforming Alexa Fluor^® conjugates and other spectrally similar conjugates. For additional information on iFluor® dye-labeled CD14 antibodies and availability of other clones click on any label in the table below.

The following table outlines the fluorescence properties of available mFluor™ dye labeled anti-human CD14 antibodies for use in flow cytometry (FACS). Each mFluor™ dyes is optimally excited by one of the major laser lines commonly equipped in flow cytometers, such as the 405 nm, 488 nm, 532 nm, 561 nm or 633 nm laser lines. For additional information on mFluor™ dye-labeled CD14 antibodies and availability of other clones click on any label in the table below.

The following table outlines the fluorescence properties of available Alexa Fluor^® dye labeled anti-human CD14 antibodies for use in flow cytometry (FACS) and fluorescence imaging applications. For additional information on Alexa Fluor^® dye-labeled CD14 antibodies and availability of other clones click on any label in the table below.

The following table outlines the fluorescence properties of available classic dye labeled anti-human CD14 antibodies for use in flow cytometry (FACS) and fluorescence imaging applications. For additional information on classic dye-labeled CD14 antibodies and availability of other clones click on any label in the table below.

The following table outlines the fluorescence properties of available phycoerythrin (PE), allophycocyanin (APC), PerCP and tandem dye labeled anti-human CD14 antibodies for use in flow cytometry (FACS). Phycobiliproteins are uncharacteristically bright due to their high molar extinction coefficients and quantum yields, an enviable quality when imaging low-abundance targets. However, since phycobiliprotiens photobleach rapidly, they are not recommended for microscopy. For additional information on phycobiliprotein-labeled CD14 antibodies and availability of other clones click on any label in the table below.