Canine Cluster of Differentiation 52 (CD52) (CD52)

Canine Cluster of Differentiation 52 (CD52) is a small, heavily glycosylated protein anchored to the cell membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) linkage (UniProt: A0A8I3P9S1). It is expressed at high levels on the surface of mature canine B and T lymphocytes, as well as on monocytes and macrophages (PubMed: 26105114). While its exact physiological role remains under investigation, it is implicated in lymphocyte migration and immune cell signaling. CD52 is a validated therapeutic target in veterinary medicine, particularly for the treatment of canine lymphoma and lymphoid leukemia (PubMed: 31254345). Therapeutic agents like gilvetmab, a caninized monoclonal antibody, target CD52 to induce cell death through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). This mechanism leads to the rapid depletion of both malignant and healthy lymphocytes, providing a potent anti-tumor effect while requiring careful monitoring for lymphopenia-related complications.

Other names

CAMPATH-1 antigenCDW52HE5Canine CD52 molecule

Induction of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) leading to lymphocyte depletion (PubMed: 31254345).