CD Antigen is a term used in immunology to describe a marker on the surface of immune cells. The spelling of "CD" is pronounced /siː diː/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet, which stands for "cluster of differentiation." This nomenclature was created to identify and classify different types of cell surface proteins found on immune cells. The CD Antigen system has significantly improved our understanding of the immune system's complexity and is widely used in research and clinical practice, making it a vital term to know for those interested in immunology.
CD Antigen is an abbreviation for Cluster of Differentiation Antigen. It refers to a protein molecule expressed on the surface of certain cells in the immune system, particularly on the surface of white blood cells. These antigens act as markers that help identify and classify different types of immune cells, allowing for a better understanding and characterization of the immune response.
The CD Antigens are typically identified and named based on their presence and intensity of expression on specific cell types within the immune system. These molecules play a crucial role in cell-cell interactions, including cell adhesion, signal transduction, and cellular activation. They are involved in various immune functions, such as antigen recognition, immune cell activation, and regulation of immune responses.
CD Antigens are commonly used in immunology research and clinical practice as markers to identify and isolate specific immune cell types. By targeting specific CD Antigens, scientists can differentiate between different immune cell subsets, aiding in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of various diseases, including immune disorders, cancer, and infections.
The classification and naming of CD Antigens have been established by the International Workshop on Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigens (HLDA) in conjunction with the Human Immunology Societies. The CD nomenclature system has been widely accepted and comprises a unique set of identification numbers assigned to each antigen.
The term "CD Antigen" was derived from the cluster of differentiation (CD) nomenclature system, which was established during the early 1980s by an international workshop on human leukocyte differentiation antigens. The CD system was created to categorize and name cell surface molecules and markers found on immune cells, specifically lymphocytes. The initial aim was to better understand the distinct functional and phenotypic characteristics of immune cells.
The CD system numbers the different antigens found on the cell surface of immunocytes and is organized in a hierarchical manner. The CD antigens are assigned a number in the order of their discovery, rather than in the order of function or structure. For instance, CD3 was the third antigen discovered through the system.
Therefore, the term "CD Antigen" emphasizes the use of the CD nomenclature system to distinguish and classify various cell surface antigens on immune cells.