Beta-1,3-glucuronyltransferase 1 (CD57) (CD57)

CD57, also known as HNK-1 or Leu-7, is a carbohydrate epitope (specifically a sulfated glucuronyl glycolipid) that is synthesized by the enzyme beta-1,3-glucuronyltransferase 1 (B3GAT1) [UniProt P48506]. It is widely recognized as a marker of terminal differentiation and reproductive senescence in human T cells and natural killer (NK) cells [PubMed: 25617468]. CD57+ lymphocytes typically exhibit a reduced capacity for proliferation and an increased sensitivity to apoptosis, although they maintain high cytotoxic potential through the expression of granzymes and perforin [PubMed: 23414411]. In clinical pathology, CD57 is used as a diagnostic marker to identify neuroendocrine tumors, as well as certain types of lymphomas and neural-derived tissues [StatPearls: Neuroendocrine Tumors]. While CD57 is not currently a direct therapeutic target for pharmacological intervention, it serves as a vital biomarker for monitoring immune exhaustion in chronic viral infections like HIV and CMV, and for assessing prognosis in various malignancies [PubMed: 28103150]. The presence of CD57 on NK cells is also indicative of a highly mature and stable population, which is relevant in the context of bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy [PubMed: 26333445].

Other names

HNK-1Leu-7B3GAT1GlcAT-PB3GAT-1

Not applicable