Mouse Leukocyte Surface Antigen CD53 (CD53) Protein

Background

CD53 is a cell surface glycoprotein and a member of the tetraspanin superfamily, which plays a critical role in immune cell function. It is expressed primarily on hematopoietic cells, including leukocytes such as T cells, B cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells. CD53 is involved in immune cell signaling, adhesion, and trafficking, making it an important molecule for maintaining immune system integrity and function. CD53's role in facilitating interactions between immune cells and in transducing signals that promote activation and differentiation makes it a key participant in the regulation of immune responses. The tetraspanins, of which CD53 is a member, are integral membrane proteins that form complexes with other membrane proteins, including integrins, growth factor receptors, and immune receptors. CD53 is known to associate with other tetraspanins and create specialized membrane domains called tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs), which function in organizing membrane proteins and coordinating signaling pathways. The protein has been implicated in the immune system’s defense against pathogens and in the activation and function of leukocytes.