Multiple immune cell populations and their surface receptors

Multiple immune cell populations and their surface receptors encompass the broad variety of leukocytes, such as T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and myeloid cells, along with the specific membrane proteins they express to facilitate signaling and immune surveillance (Janeway et al., Immunobiology, 2001). These surface receptors, frequently categorized as Cluster of Differentiation (CD) antigens, are essential for cell-to-cell communication and the recognition of antigens or inflammatory signals (NIH National Cancer Institute, 2023). In clinical medicine, these receptors serve as primary therapeutic targets for biologics, including monoclonal antibodies and cell-based therapies, to treat malignancies and autoimmune disorders (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2020). However, because this term describes a heterogeneous group of cells and molecules rather than a single protein, it is considered a descriptive category rather than a specific therapeutic target. Precise identification of individual receptors within these populations is necessary for effective drug design and to minimize safety risks like cytokine release syndrome (Frontiers in Immunology, 2021).

Other names

Immune cell surface markersLeukocyte surface antigensCluster of differentiation markersCD antigensImmune checkpoints

Mechanisms vary by specific receptor and include competitive inhibition, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), checkpoint blockade, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell activation.