T regulatory cells (Tregs) are a heavily researched cell population due to their impressive immunosuppressive abilities. However, recovering high numbers of these cells from mice can be a difficult task due to mechanism like NAD+-induced cell death. To help in this endeavor, Biolegend is proud to release the unique Treg-Protector™ (anti-ARTC2 Nanobody). Injection of this nanobody into mice is shown to improve recovery of live Treg cells, as well as NK cells.
Damaged cells release NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide). The free-floating NAD+ is bound by cells expressing the enzyme, ARTC2. ARTC2 then transfers ADP-ribose onto surface proteins like P2X7. This activates P2X7 for icon transport and causes downstream effects like the cleavage of L-selectin (CD62L) and CD27, and flipping of phosphatidylserine (PS) from the inner membrane to the outer membrane. This initiation of apoptosis is thus termed “NAD+-induced cell death”, or NICD. Injection of mice with the Treg-Protector™ blocks ARTC2 function and thus, prevents apoptosis and shedding of characteristic surface markers of this cell type, making it easier to recover more live tregs.