CD Markers
Search our extensive database of CD Markers.
CD54 (ICAM-1) #
Alternative names: Ly-47, MALA-2
In humans and in mice, CD54 is found on the surface of: T cells, B cells, endothelial cells, macrophages/monocytes
Ligands and associated molecules: LFA-1, MAC-1, CD43, CD11a/CD18, CD11b/CD18, CD227, rhinovirus
Function: cell adhesion and movement, lymphocyte activation
Additional information: CD54 binding to its ligand promotes cell-to-cell adhesion, mediating immune responses, lymphocyte recruitment to areas of inflammation, and costimulation of T cells. Rhinovirus binds CD54 to enter the respiratory epithelium. CD54 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily.
Further reading:
CD56 #
Alternative names: Leu-19, NKH-1, Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM1)
In humans and in mice, CD56 can be found on the surface of: T cells, NK cells
Ligands and associated molecules: CD56 (homophilic binding), heparin sulfate
Function: cell adhesion, neural communication and growth
Additional information: CD56 is one of the primary surface markers for NK cells. CD56 surface expression is correlated with the degree of NK cell activation, implying a role for CD56 in NK cell cytotoxicity. T cells that express CD56 show increased activation, cytotoxic abilities, resistance to apoptosis, and production of inflammatory cytokines. In nerves, CD56 binds to itself to create interactions between neurons, and between neurons and muscles, and neurite outgrowth.
Further reading:
CD58 (LFA-3) #
In humans, CD58 can be found on the surface of: T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, NK cells, macrophages/monocytes, granulocytes, erythrocytes, endothelial cells, epithelial cells
Ligands: CD2 (LFA-2)
Function: cell adhesion
Additional information: Binding of CD58 to CD2 facilitates the interaction between antigen-presenting cells and T cells, as well as the interaction between cytotoxic cells and target cells. Stimulation of CD58 results in increased T cell and NK cell activity.
CD59 #
Alternative names: Protectin, MACIF, MAC-inhibitor MIRL, P-18, H19, 1F5Ag
In humans and in mice, CD59 can be found on the surface of: T cells, NK cells, macrophages/monocytes, granulocytes, erythrocyte
Ligands: C8α, C9
Associated molecules: lck, fyn
Function: complement cascade regulation, inhibition of membrane attack complex (MAC) formation
Additional information: CD59 prevents the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC) – a pore in the plasma membrane that leads to cell lysis and death. This inhibitory action of CD59 protects host cells from self-lysis.
CD62E (E-selectin) #
Alternative names: ELAM-1, LECAM-2
In humans and in mice, CD62E can be found on the surface of: endothelial cells
Ligands and associated molecules: CD162, Sialyl Lewis x/a carbohydrates
Function: cell adhesion
Additional information: CD62E expression on the surface of endothelial cells is activated by cytokines and the expression of CD62P. CD62E plays an important role in the body’s inflammatory response, recruiting leukocytes to inflamed areas. In inflamed tissue, macrophages release IL-1 and TNF-α, which cause endothelial cells to upregulate CD62E surface expression. Surface CD62E binds to CD162 on leukocytes that flow past the infected area at high velocity, capturing the leukocytes and mediating their tethering and rapid rolling on activated endothelium in the initial stages of inflammation.
CD62L (L-Selectin) #
Alternative names:
- Human: LECAM-1, MEL-14, Leu8, TQ1, LAM-1
- Murine: LECAM-1, Lnhr, Ly-22, Ly-m22, Lyam-1, Lyam1
In humans and in mice, CD62L can be found on the surface of: T cells, B cells, NK cells, macrophages/monocytes, granulocytes
Ligands and associated molecules: CD162, CD34, GlyCAM-1, MAdCAM-1
Function: cell adhesion
Additional information: By contributing to leukocyte tethering and rolling on activated endothelium, CD62L plays an essential role in lymphocyte homing to peripheral lymph nodes and sites of inflammation. Upon antigen encounter and T cell activation in the lymph nodes, CD62L is shed from the cell surface. T cells can then exit the lymph node, enter circulation, and exert their effector functions.
In conjunction with other markers, most notably CD45RO or CD45RA, CD62L is used to distinguish T cell differentiation states. CD62L is expressed on naive T cells (Tnaive), central memory T cells (TCM) and stem memory T cells (TSCM), but not on effector memory T cells (TEM), or effector memory T cells re-expressing CD45RA (TEMRA).
CD62P (P-selectin) #
Alternative names: GMP-140, PADGEM
In humans and in mice, CD62P can be found on the surface of: platelets and endothelial cells
Ligands: CD162 (PSGL-1)
Associated molecules: CD24
Function: cell adhesion, platelet aggregation
Additional information: CD62P is constitutively expressed in platelet precursors and endothelial cells. It is stored in granules until activation of these cells leads to surface expression. CD62P expression is critical for homing leukocytes to inflamed areas. Surface CD62P binds to CD162 on leukocytes that flow past the infected area at high velocity, capturing the leukocytes and mediating their tethering and rolling on activated endothelium in the initial states of inflammation. CD62P on the surface of platelets facilitates platelet aggregation. In cancer, CD62P mediates metastasis.
CD64 #
Alternative names: FcγRI, FCGR1A, Fcγ receptor
In humans and in mice, CD64 can be found on the surface of: dendritic cells, macrophages/monocytes, granulocytes, precursor cells
Ligands: IgG
Function: activation of innate and adaptive immune responses, IgG Fc receptor
Additional information: CD64 binds to the Fc region of IgG with high affinity.
CD68 (Macrosialin) #
Alternative names: gp110, KP1, SCARD1
CD68 can be found on the surface of:
- Human: T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages/monocytes, stem cells/precursors, granulocytes
- Murine: dendritic cells, macrophages/monocytes
Ligands: LDL, phosphatidylserine, apoptotic cells
Function: macrophage homing, phagocytosis
Additional information: CD68 is a pan-macrophage marker and is upregulated in macrophages in response to inflammatory stimuli. CD68 can bind to oxidized LDL, phosphatidylserine, and apoptotic cells. CD68 is used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in cancer. High expression of CD68 and other macrophage markers in the tumor stroma indicate tumor progression and aggressiveness. CD68 binds to tissue- and organ-specific lectins or selectins, allowing homing of macrophage subsets to particular sites.
Further reading:
CD69 #
Alternative names: AIM, CLEC2C, EA1, MLR3, gp34/28, VEA, BL-AP26
In humans and in mice, CD69 can be found on the surface of: T cells, B cells, NK cells, macrophages/monocytes, granulocytes, platelets
Ligands: Myl9, Myl12, Gal-1
Associated molecules: S1P1, LAT1-CD98
Function: lymphocyte proliferation, activation, and differentiation/development, signal transmission in platelets
Additional information: Upon T cell or NK cell activation, cell surface expression of CD69 is rapidly increased. It is often used as a marker for lymphocyte activation. CD69 plays a role in T cell proliferation and differentiation, and in differentiation of Tregs. Together with CD103, CD69 is a marker for tissue-resident memory T cells. It also works to transmit signals intracellularly within NK cells and platelets.
Further reading:
CD70 #
Alternative names: S152, TP55, TNFRSF7, Ki-24, CD27L, T14
CD70 can be found on the surface of:
- Human: T cells, B cells, NK cells
- Murine: T cells, B cells
Ligands and associated molecules: CD27
Function: T cell proliferation and activation, T and B cell costimulation, NK cell effector modification
Additional information: CD70 is expressed on the surface of activated T and B cells. CD70 enhances the cytotoxic function of T cells and NK cells, and induces immunoglobulin synthesis in B cells. CD70 is a cytokine that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor ligand family.
CD73 #
Alternative names: Ecto-5’-nucleotidase, NT5E, E5NT, NT5, NTE, eN, eNT
CD73 can be found on the surface of:
- Humans: T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, stem cells/precursors, endothelial cells, epithelial cells
- Murine: T cells, B cells, dendritic cells
Ligands: AMP
Function: Enzymatic nucleoside processing
Additional information: CD73 has 5-prime-nucleotidase hydrolyzing activity that breaks down adenosine monophosphate (AMP) outside of the cell into membrane-permeable adenosine. Intracellular adenosine is immunosuppressive, inhibiting the activity of effector T cells and B cells, and stimulating regulatory T cell activity. Given CD73’s role in increasing immunosuppressive adenosine levels, CD73 expression is upregulated on the surface of some tumor cells. This facilitates the dampening of the immune response to the cancer cells and promotes tumor growth.
CD83 #
Alternative names: BL11, HB15
In humans and in mice, CD83 can be found on the surface of: B cells, dendritic cells, Tregs (in mice)
Ligands: homodimer with CD83; soluble CD83 also binds to CD154
Function: immune stimulation
Additional information: CD83 is expressed on the surface of mature dendritic cells and activated B cells. CD83 stabilizes MHC-II, CD28, and costimulatory molecules (e.g., CD86) on the cell surface, regulating their turnover.
Further reading:
CD85a #
Alternative names: LILRB-3, ILT5, LIR3, HL9, PIRB
In humans, CD85a can be found on the surface of: T cells, dendritic cells, granulocytes, macrophages/monocytes, stem cells
Ligands: HLA class I
Function: Immune regulation
Additional information: CD85a is also known as leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B member 3. CD85a binds to MHC class I molecules and transmits an inhibitory signal to the immune cells on which it is expressed, controlling inflammatory responses and self-tolerance.
CD85c #
Alternative names: LILRB-5, LIR8
In humans, CD85c can be found on the surface of: NK cells, macrophages/monocytes
Ligands: HLA-I
Function: immune regulation
Additional information: CD85c is also known as leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B member 1. CD85c binds to classical and non-classical MHC class I molecules on antigen-presenting cells and transmits an inhibitory signal to the immune cells on which it is expressed, controlling inflammatory responses and self-tolerance.
CD85d #
Alternative names: LILRB-2, ILT4, LIR2, MIR10
In humans, CD85d can be found on the surface of: dendritic cells, granulocytes, macrophages/monocytes
Ligands: HLA class I
Function: Immune response downregulation
Additional information: CD85d is also known as leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B member 2. CD85d binds to MHC class I molecules and transmits an inhibitory signal to the immune cells on which it is expressed, controlling inflammatory responses and self-tolerance.
CD85g #
Alternative names: LILRA-4, ILT-7, ILT7
In humans, CD85g can be found on the surface of: dendritic cells, granulocytes, macrophages/monocytes
Function: regulation of pDC function
Additional information: CD85g is also known as leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily A member 4 (LILRA-4) and is highly expressed on pDCs. CD85g cross-linking inhibits TLR7 and TLR9 signaling and downregulates the production of type I IFN and TNFα by pDCs, and may also modulate differentiation of immature blood pDCs and the ability of TLR7/TLR9-stimulated pDC to migrate to lymph nodes or mucosal tissue.
Further reading:
CD85j #
Alternative names: LILRB-1, ILT2, LIR1, MIR7
In humans, CD85j can be found on the surface of: T cells, B cells, NK cells, dendritic cells, macrophages/monocytes
Ligands: HLA class I
Function: inhibits cytotoxicity of T cells and NK cells
Additional information: CD85j is also known as leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B member 1. CD85j binds to classical and non-classical MHC class I molecules on antigen-presenting cells and transmits an inhibitory signal to the immune cells on which it is expressed, controlling inflammatory responses and self-tolerance. Upon ligand binding, CD85j inhibits cytokine production, proliferation, and cytotoxicity of T cells and NK cells. CD85j is structurally similar to PD-1.
Further reading:
CD86 (B7-2) #
Alternative names:
- Human: B7-2/B70, LAB72, MGC34413, CD28LG2
- Murine: B7-2/B70, Ly-58
In humans and in mice, CD86 can be found on the surface of: T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages/monocytes
Ligands: CD28, CD152
Function: Lymphocyte activation/costimulation, immunoregulation
Additional information: CD86 is a member of the B7 family and a ligand for CD28 and CD152 receptor molecules found on the surface of T cells. While CD86 has a similar structure and function as CD80, there are considerable differences in their protein identity, implying different stimulatory mechanisms. The exact structural and functional differences between the two are not well understood, though studies show that CD86 plays a more critical role in T cell activation. CD86 is a costimulatory molecule necessary for T cell activation and for the prevention of T cell anergy. After the MHC presents the specific antigen stimulus, the binding of CD86 with CD28 on the T cell is the second stimulus that allows T cell activation, increased IL-2 cytokine production, proliferation, and differentiation. The two-step threshold is critical for maintaining self-tolerance and inhibiting T cell overactivity. After the T cell is activated, CD152 binds to CD86 to inhibit the effector T cell’s activity, regulating the immune response.
Further reading:
What’s the difference between CD80 and CD86? Sansom DM, et al. Trends in Immunology (2003)
CD91 (LRP1) #
Alternative names: APOER, APR, ɑ2M-R, ɑ2MR
In humans, CD91 can be found on the surface of: macrophages/monocytes, epithelial cells
Ligands and associated molecules: RAP, ɑ2M, apoE, Lactoferrin, LDLs
Function: phagocytosis, intracellular signaling, lipid homoeostasis
Additional information: CD91 is important for receptor mediated endocytosis. CD91 mediates the phagocytosis and degradation of apoptotic cells and other ligands.
CD95 (FAS) #
Alternative names: TNFRSF6, APO-1
In humans and in mice, CD95 can be found on the surface of: T cells, B cells, NK cells, macrophages/monocytes, granulocytes
Ligands: CD178 (CD95L; Fas ligand)
Function: initiation of apoptosis, inflammation, metastatic dissemination, angiogenesis
Additional information: CD95 belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. Upon ligand binding, CD95 activates formation of the Death-Inducing Signaling Complex (DISC), which leads to cell death. CD95 is also involved in non-apoptotic signaling and can promote carcinogenesis by promoting and maintaining inflammation and by inducing cancer cell motility through PI3K signaling pathway activation. Furthermore, CD95 plays a role in the context of endothelium survival, proliferation, and function, and thus has an important role in angiogenesis.
Further reading:
CD96 #
Alternative names: TACTILE, MGC22596
In humans and in mice, CD96 can be found on the surface of: T cells, NK cells, B cells (in mice)
Ligands: CD155
Function: cell adhesion
Additional information: CD96 belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and is involved in binding of T cells and NK cells to their cellular targets. Crosslinking of CD96 induces activation, effector cytokine secretion, and proliferation of CD8+ T cells. CD96 is a new target for cancer immunotherapy research and for the treatment of glioma.
Further reading:
CD97 #
Alternative names: TM7LN1, TM7S, BL-KDD/F12
In humans and in mice, CD97 can be found on the surface of: T cells, B cells, NK cells, dendritic cells, macrophages/monocytes, granulocytes
Ligands: CD55, chondroitin sulfate (component of the extracellular matrix), integrin α5β1
Function: cell signaling, cell adhesion, neutrophil migration
Additional information: The interaction between CD55 and CD97 plays an important role in regulation of T cell activation. CD97 cell surface expression is upregulated upon activation of lymphocytes and myeloid cells, facilitating the migration of these cells to sites of inflammation. By interacting with the extracellular matrix and neighboring cell surface proteins, CD97 plays a role in cell signaling, adhesion and movement. In addition to being expressed on immune cells, CD97 is also present on a variety of human cancer cells, where its expression mediates lymph node invasion and metastatic spread, and correlates with overall prognosis.
Further reading:
CD99 #
Alternative names: MIC2, E2, MIC2X, MIC2Y, HBA71
CD99 can be found on the surface of:
- Human: T cells, B cells, NK cells, macrophages/monocytes, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, erythrocytes, platelets, stem cells/precursors
- Murine: T cells, B cells, granulocytes, endothelial cells
Ligands: CD99 (homophilic interaction), cyclophilin A
Function: T cell adhesion, apoptosis, leukocyte migration, T cell recruitment to inflamed skin
Additional information: CD99 is expressed on all lymphocytes, but is expressed highly on the surface of thymocytes, facilitating adhesion and apoptosis of double-positive T cells, dependent on CD3 expression level. CD99 is involved in the migration of leukocytes across the endothelial wall (TEM). CD99 is overexpressed in some cancer types, affecting the migration of cancer cells and cancer metastasis. In other cancer types, CD99 is downregulated, helping cancer cells evade cytolytic T cells.
Further reading:
CD100 #
Alternative names: Semaphorin 4D, coll-4, Sema4D, SEMAJ
CD100 can be found on the surface of:
- Humans: T cells, B cells, NK cells, granulocytes, macrophages/monocytes
- Murine: T cells, B cells
Ligands and associated molecules: CD45, CD72, Plexin B1, Plexin B2
Function: B cell and dendritic cell immunoregulation, skin healing
Additional information: CD100 interacts with CD45 on the surface of T cells to induce T cell proliferation. CD100 interacts with CD72 to activate B cell and dendritic cell responses. After skin damage, CD100 associates with plexin B2 on gamma delta T cells to facilitate skin healing.
Further reading:
- Involvement of CD100, a lymphocyte semaphorin, in the activation of the human immune system via CD72: implications for the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. Ishida I, et al. International Immunology (2003)
- The CD100 Receptor Interacts with Its Plexin B2 Ligand to Regulate Epidermal γδ T Cell Function. Witheren DA, et al. Immunity (2012)
