For all I know the MY4 antibody recognizes the LPS binding site of the CD14 molecule, thus I dont quite believe that any possible polymorphism of the CD14 molecule would lead to differential binding of MY4. Isoforms of CD14 would most probably not be related to such a crucial element of its structure. In our experiences, both MY4 and Mo2 recognize the vast majority (~90%) of elutriated peripheral blood monocytes. I dont think there is any evidence for the existence of CD14 isoforms. Having said that, I remember we sometimes had inconclusive data when we tried to characterize mucosal macrophages isolated from normal human intestinal tissue. These macrophages are usually CD14 neg, however, in some instances antibodies showed some binding. We tested 8 different antibodies, so I dont recall exactly which ones occasionally seemed to bind and which ones never did. At the time of the experiments we werent sure whether we just had messed up our experiments or whether that was evidence for CD14 isoforms. It would be exciting if there was indeed proof for CD14 isoforms. Michael
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