iF700 Anti-Human CD3 Antibody

Product Details


CloneOKT3
ApplicationFlow Cytometry
ReactivityHuman
FormatiF700
Target NameCD3, T3, CD3ε
IsotypeMouse IgG2a
Antibody TypeMonoclonal
Regulatory StatusRUO
FormulationPhosphate-buffered solution, pH 7.2, containing 0.09% sodium azide and 0.2% (w/v) BSA
Protein ConcentrationSupplied at a lot-specific concentration.
Storage & HandlingThe antibody solution should be stored undiluted between 2°C and 8°C, and protected from prolonged exposure to light. Do not freeze.
Recommended UsageFor flow cytometric staining, it is recommended to use 5 µL of this reagent per 0.5-1.0 million cells in a 100 µL volume. Optimal reagent performance should be determined by titration for each specific application. iF700 has an excitation max at 690 nm and an emission max at 710 nm.
Excitation LaserRed Laser (633 nm)
See All FormatsClone OKT3

Background Information


CD3 is a critical component of the T-cell receptor (TCR) complex, essential for T-cell activation and the adaptive immune response. It is present on nearly all mature T lymphocytes and serves as a marker for their identification. Functionally, CD3 transduces activation signals from the TCR upon antigen recognition, triggering cascades that lead to cytokine production, cell proliferation, and differentiation. This process enables T-cells to respond effectively to pathogens and abnormal cells, anchoring immune defense mechanisms.

Structurally, CD3 is not a single protein but a multimeric complex composed of four distinct polypeptide chains: CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, and CD3ζ. These chains associate non-covalently with the antigen-specific α and β chains of the TCR. Each CD3 subunit contains one or more immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) in their cytoplasmic tails. Upon TCR engagement with an antigen–major histocompatibility complex (MHC), the ITAMs become phosphorylated, serving as docking sites for signaling molecules such as ZAP-70, which propagate downstream signaling required for full T-cell activation. CD3 itself does not bind directly to antigens; instead, it functions as a signaling adaptor within the TCR complex. Its effective operation relies on interactions between the TCR and peptide-MHC complexes presented by antigen-presenting cells. The physical and functional association between CD3 and the TCR ensures that antigen recognition is tightly coupled to intracellular signaling pathways that determine T-cell fate and function.

Alterations in CD3 expression or signaling are implicated in various immune-related diseases. Mutations in CD3 genes can cause severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), characterized by defective T-cell development. Dysregulated signaling may also contribute to autoimmune conditions, where inappropriate T-cell activation leads to tissue damage. Additionally, CD3 surface expression levels are sometimes altered in chronic infections and leukemias.

Therapeutically, CD3 is an important target in immunomodulation. Monoclonal antibodies such as muromonab-CD3 (OKT3) were among the first biologics used to prevent organ transplant rejection by depleting or inactivating T-cells. More recently, bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) like blinatumomab exploit CD3 to redirect cytotoxic T-cells toward tumor cells expressing specific antigens, offering potent anti-cancer activity. By harnessing or modulating CD3-mediated signaling, modern immunotherapies continue to expand the therapeutic potential of T-cell-based treatments.

Isotype Control


iF700 Mouse IgG2a Isotype Control

Data Sheets


iF700 Anti-Human CD3 Antibody TDS

Related Protocols


Flow Cytometry Protocol

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I determine the optimal antibody concentration/titer for my experiment?
We recommend titrating each new antibody lot on your own cell type and instrument, since optimal concentration depends on cell density, target expression level, and cytometer sensitivity. Suggested starting dilutions or test sizes (e.g., µg or µl per 10^6 cells) are provided on the product page as a starting reference point, not a fixed requirement.

Can these antibodies be used for intracellular or intranuclear staining, or only surface staining?
Intended use (surface, intracellular, or both) is specified per product, indicated under Application. The appropriate Related Protocol is linked for each product. If you need to detect both surface and intracellular markers in the same panel, confirm each antibody's compatibility with your fixation/permeabilization protocol before combining them.

What controls should I use alongside these antibodies?
Matched isotype controls (same host species, isotype, and conjugate) are available for most clones to help distinguish specific binding from background/non-specific staining and are linked on each product page. Unstained, single-color compensation, and fluorescence-minus-one (FMO) controls are also recommended, especially for multicolor panel design.

Can I combine InnoCyto Flow Cytometry antibodies into a multicolor panel?
Yes — antibodies across our catalog are designed to be panel-compatible, and conjugate options are offered specifically to support multiplexing. When building a panel, pair bright fluorophores with low-expression targets, avoid excessive spectral overlap, and confirm compensation is set up correctly for your specific fluorochrome combination. Use our Panel Builder to simplify the process.

Have a product or application question? Consult our FAQs or contact us.