Hematopoietic stem cell surface proteins (HSC surface markers)

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) surface proteins are a diverse group of membrane-bound molecules used to identify, isolate, and characterize the rare population of multipotent cells responsible for the lifelong production of all blood cell lineages (Eaves, 2015). These proteins, often designated by Cluster of Differentiation (CD) nomenclature, include markers such as CD34, CD133, and CD90, which play critical roles in cell-matrix interactions, homing to the bone marrow niche, and regulating self-renewal versus differentiation signals (Majeti et al., 2007). In clinical practice, these surface proteins are essential for the enrichment of HSCs for bone marrow transplantation and serve as diagnostic markers for various hematologic malignancies (Loken et al., 1987). While individual proteins within this group are therapeutic targets—such as CXCR4, which is targeted by plerixafor to mobilize cells for collection—the group as a whole represents the phenotypic signature of the hematopoietic stem cell compartment (DiPersio et al., 2009). Understanding the expression patterns of these proteins is vital for treating diseases like leukemia, where malignant cells may hijack these markers or exhibit aberrant expression (Doulatov et al., 2012). Consequently, these proteins serve as both tools for cell therapy and focal points for developing targeted hematologic interventions.

Other names

HSC markersHematopoietic stem cell antigensCD markers for HSCsHSC surface antigens

Drugs interacting with these proteins typically function by mobilizing stem cells from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood, promoting the proliferation and differentiation of progenitor cells, or selectively depleting malignant cells expressing specific markers (Broxmeyer et al., 2005; DiPersio et al., 2009).