The GK1.5 antibody reacts with mouse CD4, a 55 kDa protein which acts as a co-receptor for the T cell receptor (TCR) in its interaction with MHC Class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells. The extracellular domain of CD4 binds to the beta-2 domain of MHC Class II, while its cytoplasmic tail provides a binding site for the tyrosine kinase lck, facilitating the signaling cascade that initiates T cell activation. CD4 is typically expressed on thymocytes, certain mature T cell populations such as Th17 and T regulatory (Treg) cells, as well as on dendritic cells.

The GK1.5 antibody is widely used as a phenotypic marker for CD4 expression. If used together, the GK1.5 antibody and an alternative antibody, Anti-Mouse CD4 clone RM4-5, will 'compete' for binding, i.e. RM4-5 is able to block GK1.5 binding to cells. In contrast, the Anti-Mouse CD4 clone RM4-4 does not block binding of the GK1.5 antibody to cells (Arora S et al. 2006. Infect. Immun. 74: 4339-4348). The GK1.5 antibody is also reported to be cross-reactive with Syrian hamster CD4.