CD15

CD15 (also known as Lewis x antigen) is a carbohydrate antigen that is present on the surface of certain cells in the human body. It is a member of the Lewis blood group system, and is involved in various biological processes, including cell adhesion and immune response.

Structure[edit | edit source]

CD15 is a tetrasaccharide, which means it is composed of four monosaccharide units. The structure of CD15 is characterized by a fucose residue that is linked to a galactose residue, which is in turn linked to a N-acetylglucosamine residue. The fourth monosaccharide unit is another galactose residue.

Function[edit | edit source]

CD15 plays a crucial role in the process of cell adhesion, which is the interaction between cells that allows them to stick together. This is important for the formation of tissues and organs in the body. CD15 is also involved in the immune response, as it is present on the surface of neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's defense against infection.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Abnormal levels of CD15 can be indicative of certain medical conditions. For example, high levels of CD15 are often seen in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. CD15 is also used as a marker in the diagnosis of this disease. In addition, CD15 is involved in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system.