CD48 antigen (CD48)

CD48 antigen (CD48) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface glycoprotein and member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, specifically the CD2 subfamily and SLAM (signaling lymphocyte activation molecule) family[1][2][4][6]. Widely expressed on various immune cells—including T cells, B cells, NK cells, monocytes, granulocytes, mast cells, and dendritic cells—CD48 functions primarily in the regulation of immune cell adhesion, activation, and differentiation, participating in the formation of the immunological synapse and signal transduction during immune responses[1][2][4][6]. CD48 interacts preferentially with CD244 (2B4), as well as CD2, facilitating NK cell and T cell activation and cytolytic function; it also binds bacterial lectins such as FimH from E. coli, enhancing immune recognition of pathogens[1][2][4][6]. CD48 is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of several diseases, including cancer (as a potential target for antibody-drug conjugates), inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis and allergic rhinitis), hematologic disorders, and infection[2][4][5]. Its expression level or soluble form may serve as a biomarker for immune activation, disease prognosis, or response to therapy[2][4]. Therapeutic targeting of CD48 is under investigation, with antibody-drug conjugates such as SGN-CD48A being developed for hematological malignancies[2]. Safety concerns center around potential for broad immune modulation and effects on normal immune cells due to widespread expression[2][4].

Other names

CD48CD48 moleculeCD48 antigenBLAST-1SLAMF2BCM1BLASTMEM-102mCD48hCD48B-lymphocyte activation marker BLAST-1BCM1 surface antigenLeukocyte antigen MEM-102Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule 2SLAM family member 2TCT.1

Antibody-drug conjugates (bind to CD48, killing CD48-expressing cells via cytotoxic payload delivery); Immune modulation (blocking or stimulating CD48 interactions modulates immune activation and cell adhesion)