CD63 antigen (CD63) is a member of the tetraspanin family (transmembrane 4 superfamily), characterized by four transmembrane domains and primarily associated with intracellular vesicle membranes, though it can be expressed on the cell surface under certain activation states[1][2]. CD63 interacts with integrins and other membrane proteins, mediating signal transduction events that influence cell development, activation, motility, adhesion, and vesicular transport[1][2]. It is a key marker for activated basophils in allergy diagnostics (basophil activation test), is involved in intracellular trafficking in melanocytes, and has roles as a marker and modulator in cancer (especially melanoma)[1][3]. Deficiency in CD63 is associated with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome. CD63 is widely used as a lineage, activation, and exosome marker in cell biology and clinical research[1][2].
Other names
CD63 moleculeMLA1TSPAN30LAMP-3Limp1Tspan-30ME491HOP-26Pltgp40AD1GranulophysinLysosomal-associated membrane protein 3Lysosome integral membrane protein 1Melanoma-associated antigen ME491OMA81HOcular melanoma-associated antigenTetraspanin-30AD1 antigengranulophysinlimp1melanoma-associated antigen ME491melanoma-associated antigen MLA1ocular melanoma-associated antigentetraspanin-30tspan-30
02
Mechanism of action
Antibodies: Mark or block CD63 as a cellular activation and lineage marker (e.g., in allergy diagnostics, flow cytometry).
Experimental: Potential modulation of integrin and tetraspanin-related signaling pathways via therapeutic antibodies or ligands.
03
Biological functions
Signal transductionCell developmentCell activationCell growthCell motilityIntracellular vesicular transportTrafficking and maturation of melanocytesPlatelet activationLeukocyte adhesion
No direct safety concerns reported for therapies targeting CD63, but as a broadly expressed membrane and vesicle marker, potential off-target effects if targeted therapeutically
06
Interacting drugs
None routinely used in clinical practice. Anti-CD63 antibodies are used in research and diagnostics (e.g., basophil activation test); some investigational therapies are under development targeting CD63-expressing cells, but no major approved drugs are known
07
Biomarkers
Marker of activated basophils (e.g., for basophil activation test in allergy["BAT"])Platelet activation markerMarker for exosomes and multivesicular bodies in cell biologyMarker for certain cancers (e.g., melanoma)
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