Cluster of differentiation

See also: List of human clusters of differentiation

The cluster of differentiation (also known as cluster of designation or classification determinant and often abbreviated as CD) is a protocol used for the identification and investigation of cell surface molecules providing targets for immunophenotyping of cells.[1] In terms of physiology, CD molecules can act in numerous ways, often acting as receptors or ligands important to the cell. A signal cascade is usually initiated, altering the behavior of the cell (see cell signaling). Some CD proteins do not play a role in cell signaling, but have other functions, such as cell adhesion. CD for humans is numbered up to 371 (as of 21 April 2016).[2][3]

  1. ^ CHAN, J. K. C.; NG, C. S.; HUI, P. K. (1988). "A simple guide to the terminology and application of leucocyte monoclonal antibodies". Histopathology. 12 (5): 461–480. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2559.1988.tb01967.x. PMID 3294157. S2CID 6823812.
  2. ^ "HCDM, responsible for HLDA workshop and CD molecules". Human Cell Differentiation Molecules Council (successor to the HLDA Workshops). Archived from the original on 2016-04-20. Retrieved 2016-04-21.
  3. ^ Zola H, Swart B, Banham A, Barry S, Beare A, Bensussan A, Boumsell L, D Buckley C, Bühring HJ, Clark G, Engel P, Fox D, Jin BQ, Macardle PJ, Malavasi F, Mason D, Stockinger H, Yang X (2007). "CD molecules 2006--human cell differentiation molecules". J Immunol Methods. 319 (1–2): 1–5. doi:10.1016/j.jim.2006.11.001. PMID 17174972.