CD45RA-expressing T cell (CD45RA+ T cell)

CD45RA-expressing T cell refers to T lymphocytes that display the CD45RA isoform of the CD45 molecule, a protein tyrosine phosphatase, on their surface. CD45RA is a long isoform typically found on naïve T cells that have not yet encountered antigen, but it can also be re-expressed on a subset of effector memory T cells following antigen clearance (TEMRA cells)[1][2][3][5]. CD45RA is not itself a unique therapeutic target but rather a distinguishing marker for T cell subpopulations, commonly used alongside other markers (such as CCR7) to define functional subsets within the immune system, including naïve, central memory, effector memory, and terminally differentiated effector (TEMRA) T cells. CD45RA+ T cells play important roles in immune homeostasis, host defense, and, depending on context, cancer and infection response. Therapies targeting T cells or their subsets may indirectly affect CD45RA+ populations, but "CD45RA-expressing T cell" is not a molecule, receptor, or canonical drug target; rather, it is a cellular descriptor[1][3][5]. Important note: "CD45RA expressing T cells" is not a molecular target but a description of a diverse population of T cells based on surface marker expression. If a true canonical target is needed, refer to the underlying molecule: CD45, receptor type C (PTPRC), isoform RA[2].

Other names

CD45RA+ T cellCD45RA-positive T cellNaïve T cell (for certain contexts)TEMRA T cell (for CD45RA+ effector memory T cell)