This antibody recognizes a protein of 25-26kDa, identified as the bcl-2 alpha oncoprotein. It shows no cross-reaction with Bcl-x or Bax protein. Expression of bcl-2 alpha oncoprotein inhibits the programmed cell death (apoptosis). In most follicular lymphomas, neoplastic germinal centers express high levels of bcl-2 alpha protein, whereas the normal or hyperplastic germinal centers are negative.
