CD45RC

CD45RC is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PTPRC gene. It is also known as the leukocyte common antigen (LCA) and is a member of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) family.

Function

CD45RC is a type of transmembrane protein that is located on the surface of leukocytes, including T cells, B cells, and monocytes. It plays a crucial role in the activation and differentiation of these cells, which are essential components of the immune system.

CD45RC is involved in the regulation of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, which is a key process in the immune response to pathogens. It does this by dephosphorylating proteins involved in TCR signaling, thereby modulating the signal intensity.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression of CD45RC have been associated with various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. In these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, and changes in CD45RC expression may contribute to this abnormal immune response.

In addition, CD45RC has been implicated in the progression of certain types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma. In these diseases, the cells that express CD45RC may have a survival advantage, leading to their proliferation and the progression of the disease.

Research

Research into CD45RC is ongoing, with scientists seeking to better understand its role in the immune system and its potential as a target for new therapies. For example, drugs that modulate the activity of CD45RC could potentially be used to treat autoimmune diseases or to boost the immune response to cancer.

File:CD45RC protein structure.jpg

The structure of the CD45RC protein. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

See also

• Protein tyrosine phosphatase
• Leukocyte common antigen
• T cell receptor
• Autoimmune disease
• Cancer

References

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