Cluster of differentiation 15 antigen (CD15)

Cluster of differentiation 15 antigen (CD15) is a carbohydrate antigen, specifically a fucosylated oligosaccharide (3-fucosyl-N-acetyl-lactosamine, also known as Lewis X), found on the cell membranes of granulocytes, monocytes, myeloid and certain neuroepithelial progenitor cells[2][4][5]. It is a well-established marker used in immunophenotyping and clinical diagnostics, especially for identifying granulocytic lineage and for diagnostic evaluation of Hodgkin lymphoma and some leukemias[11][4]. Biologically, CD15 serves as a ligand for selectins—cell adhesion molecules on endothelial cells—mediating the adhesion, rolling, and migration of leukocytes during immune response and inflammation. In the context of cancer, CD15 facilitates tumor cell adhesion to the vascular endothelium and subsequent extravasation, thus contributing to metastasis[2][12]. Its expression on tumor cells is associated with increased metastatic potential and poorer prognosis in some cancer types. While CD15 can be a therapeutic target, the clinical application is limited due to its role in normal immune cell trafficking. CD15 is also used to mark immature neuroepithelial and neural stem cells in developmental and stem cell biology[5].

Other names

Lewis X antigenLeX3-fucosyl-N-acetyl-lactosamineStage-specific embryonic antigen-1 (SSEA-1)FUT4 antigenCD15s (for sialylated form)

Antibody-mediated targeting to tumor cells expressing CD15 (immunotherapy) Blocking CD15-selectin interactions to inhibit cell adhesion and metastasis[2][12]