CD6

CD6 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CD6 gene. CD6 is a type of cell surface receptor that is expressed on T cells and plays an important role in immune response and lymphocyte activation.

Structure

CD6 is a type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein that consists of a 24-amino acid signal peptide, a 398-amino acid extracellular domain, a 28-amino acid transmembrane domain, and a 76-amino acid cytoplasmic domain. The extracellular domain contains three scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domains, which are involved in protein-protein interactions.

Function

CD6 serves as a co-stimulatory molecule during T cell activation and also plays a role in T cell differentiation and proliferation. It interacts with CD166, also known as activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM), on antigen-presenting cells, which helps to strengthen the adhesion between T cells and antigen-presenting cells during immune response.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression or function of CD6 have been associated with various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis. Therefore, CD6 is considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of these diseases. Several monoclonal antibodies targeting CD6 are currently being developed and tested in clinical trials.

See also

• Cluster of differentiation
• T cell
• Autoimmune disease