Production and characterization of a rat monoclonal antibody against the murine CD3 molecular complex

We describe the production of a rat monoclonal antibody, 17A2, that detects the T cell receptor-associated CD3 molecular complex. 17A2 cross-competes with a CD3 epsilon-specific reagent and similarly stimulates IL-2 production by T cells. Immunohistological and cell separation applications are shown.