This antibody recognizes a protein of 25-26kD, 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. Consequently, this antibody is valuable when distinguishing between reactive and neoplastic follicular proliferation in lymph node biopsies. It may also be used in distinguishing between those follicular lymphomas that express bcl-2 protein and the small number in which the neoplastic cells are bcl-2 negative.