CD2

Author: V. Dimov, M.D., Allergist/Immunologist and Assistant Professor at University of Chicago

Reviewer: S. Randhawa, M.D., Allergist/Immunologist and Assistant Professor at LSU (Shreveport) Department of Allergy and Immunology

CD2 is a cell adhesion molecule on T cells and natural killer (NK) cells.

CD2 is also called:

- T-cell surface antigen T11/Leu-5
- LFA-2
- LFA-3 receptor
- erythrocyte receptor
- rosette receptor

CD2 is a ligand for CD58 and CD59 and is involved in signal transduction and cell adhesion; expressed in T-cell ALL and T-cell NHL.

CD2 interacts with other adhesion molecules, such as lymphocyte function-associated antigen-3 (LFA-3/CD58).

In addition to its adhesive properties, CD2 also acts as a co-stimulatory molecule on T and NK cells.

CD2 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily; it has 2 immunoglobulin-like domains.

Treatment implications

Alefacept (Amevive) is a LFA-3-IgG1 Fc fusion protein against CD2. It is used for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Adhesion Molecules


Overview of adhesion molecules, 3 groups remembered by the mnemonic SIS.

Adhesion molecules, 3 groups = SIS:

Selectins
Integrins
Superfamily Ig

Ig Superfamily, cell adhesion molecules (CAM)

VIP:
VCAM (vascular cell adhesion molecule)
ICAM (intercellular adhesion molecule)
PECAM (platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule)


Intercellular adhesion molecule 2 (ICAM 2). Image source: Wikipedia.

References

Adhesion Molecules

Related reading

CD2. Wikipedia.

Published: 06/17/2009
Updated: 09/17/2010