CD3

CD3 is a type of protein that is found on the surface of T cells, which are a type of white blood cell. CD3 is part of the T cell receptor complex and plays a crucial role in T cell activation and signal transduction.

Structure

The CD3 protein is composed of five different polypeptide chains. These include the gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta, and eta chains. Each of these chains has a unique structure and function, but they all work together to form the CD3 complex.

Function

The primary function of CD3 is to aid in the activation of T cells. When an antigen is presented to the T cell receptor, the CD3 complex helps to transmit the signal from the receptor to the inside of the cell. This signal transduction process is essential for the T cell to become activated and carry out its immune response.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the CD3 complex can lead to a variety of immune disorders. For example, a deficiency in CD3 can result in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a condition in which the immune system is severely weakened. Additionally, overexpression of CD3 can lead to autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells.

Research

Research on CD3 is ongoing and has led to the development of several therapeutic strategies for immune disorders. For example, monoclonal antibodies that target CD3 have been used to treat conditions such as leukemia and lymphoma.

See also

• T cell
• T cell receptor
• Antigen
• Signal transduction
• Immune disorders
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma

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