CD57 Antibody
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
CD57, also known as human natural killer-1 (HNK-1) and Leu-7, is a carbohydrate epitope containing sulfated glucuronic acid. This epitope is expressed on a variety of proteins, lipids, and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans at the cell surface . The CD57 antigen is a terminally sulfated glycan carbohydrate epitope (glyco-epitope) that plays a significant role in the nervous system and immune response .
CD57 is expressed by many cell types within the nervous system, and its expression changes during the progression of neural development . It is also found on natural killer (NK) cells and a subset of T lymphocytes. The presence of CD57 on these cells is often associated with cellular senescence and terminal differentiation .
The primary function of CD57 is related to its role in the immune system. CD57+ NK cells and T lymphocytes are involved in the body’s defense mechanisms against infections and tumors. These cells exhibit cytotoxic activity, meaning they can kill infected or cancerous cells . Additionally, CD57 is involved in neural development, where it plays a role in cell-cell interactions and signaling .
CD57 functions through its interaction with other cell surface molecules and extracellular matrix components. In the immune system, CD57+ NK cells and T lymphocytes recognize and bind to target cells, leading to the release of cytotoxic granules that induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the target cells . In the nervous system, CD57 is involved in the formation and maintenance of neural networks through its interactions with other glyco-epitopes and cell surface receptors .
The expression of CD57 is regulated by various factors, including cytokines and growth factors. In the immune system, the expression of CD57 on NK cells and T lymphocytes is influenced by the activation state of these cells and the presence of specific cytokines . In the nervous system, the expression of CD57 is regulated by neural development signals and extracellular matrix components .
Anti-CD57 antibodies, particularly those developed in mice for human targets, are widely used in scientific research. These antibodies are utilized in various applications, including immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and Western blotting . They help in identifying and studying CD57+ cells in different tissues and understanding their roles in health and disease .
