This antibody reacts with the CD147 antigen which reacts with Basigin or Neurothelin, a transmembrane glycoprotein (50-60kd) of the immunoglobulin super-gene family. Neurothelin is a molecule which is broadly expressed on cells of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic origin but primarily expressed on leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells. Neurothelin is a blood brain barrier-specific molecule. Its expression on specific cell types may be regulated by cytokines. CD147 is reported to have a function during embryonal brain development and/or play a role in integrin-mediated adhesion in brain endothelia.