The monoclonal antibody 7C12/4 recognizes an epitope on the S100A8 (MRP-8) protein. The calcium-binding, migration inhibitory factor-related proteins, MRP-8 (S100A8) and MRP-14 (S100A9) belong to the S100 protein family. The expression of these proteins is largely confined to the cytosol of neutrophils and monocytes. The complex formation of these proteins is a calcium-dependent process. The S100A8/A9 heterocomplex, also called MRP-8/MRP-14 complex or calprotectin, comprises 60% of the cytoplasmic protein fraction of circulating polymorphonuclear granulocytes and is also found in monocytes, macrophages and ileal tissue eosinophils. In inflammatory conditions small venueles stain with both anti-S100A8 and S100A9. The staining of the two subunits is always coincident. The S100A8/A9 complex has antibacterial, antifungal and immunomodulating and antiproliferative effects. Besides this it is a potent chemotactic factor for neutrophils.