Major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related antigen A (MICA) proteins are similar to the HLA class I gene products. However,MICA proteins do not associate with beta2-microglobulin and have a groove too narrow to accommodate peptides for the presentation to T cells. MICA has a functional role as a ligand for the activating receptor NKG2D. Similar to the highly polymorphic HLA system, MICA molecules can become the targets of antibody responses. The presence or absence of these MICA-specific antibodies may play a role in determining the survival of organ transplants.
LIFECODES LSA-MIC™ Beads are designed to detect IgG antibodies to MICA proteins. LSA-MIC is composed of different Luminex Beads to which purified recombinant MICA proteins are conjugated.
