CD58

An article about the CD58 molecule and its role in the immune system

CD58, also known as LFA-3 (Lymphocyte Function-associated Antigen 3), is a cell surface glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is primarily involved in facilitating cell adhesion and communication between immune cells. CD58 is expressed on the surface of various cell types, including antigen-presenting cells, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells.

Structure and Function

CD58 is a transmembrane protein that consists of an extracellular domain, a single transmembrane region, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular domain of CD58 is responsible for its interaction with its ligand, CD2, which is found on the surface of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. This interaction is critical for the formation of the immunological synapse, a specialized junction between T cells and antigen-presenting cells that facilitates effective immune responses.

The binding of CD58 to CD2 enhances T cell activation and proliferation by stabilizing the contact between T cells and antigen-presenting cells. This interaction also plays a role in the adhesion of NK cells to their targets, promoting cytotoxic activity against infected or malignant cells.

Role in the Immune System

CD58 is involved in several key processes within the immune system:

• T Cell Activation: By binding to CD2, CD58 helps stabilize the interaction between T cells and antigen-presenting cells, which is essential for effective T cell activation and the subsequent immune response.
• NK Cell Function: CD58-CD2 interactions enhance the ability of NK cells to adhere to and lyse target cells, contributing to the body's defense against tumors and viral infections.
• Immune Synapse Formation: The interaction between CD58 and CD2 is a critical component of the immunological synapse, which is necessary for the proper communication and signaling between immune cells.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in CD58 expression or function can have significant implications for immune function. For example, reduced expression of CD58 has been observed in certain types of cancer, which may help tumor cells evade immune surveillance. Additionally, genetic variations in the CD58 gene have been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Research and Therapeutic Implications

Understanding the role of CD58 in immune cell interactions has potential therapeutic implications. Targeting the CD58-CD2 interaction could be a strategy to modulate immune responses in various diseases, including autoimmune disorders and cancer. Research is ongoing to explore the potential of CD58 as a biomarker for disease prognosis and as a target for immunotherapy.

Also see

• CD2
• Immunological synapse
• T cell activation
• Natural killer cell
• Immunoglobulin superfamily