Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C isoform RC (CD45RC)

Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C isoform RC (CD45RC) is a specific splice variant of the CD45 leukocyte common antigen, a transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase essential for hematopoietic cell signaling [UniProt P08575]. This isoform is characterized by the inclusion of exon 6 (C) and is expressed on the surface of specific subsets of T cells, B cells, and NK cells [PubMed: 28438815]. CD45RC plays a pivotal role in regulating the activation threshold of lymphocytes by dephosphorylating Src-family kinases, such as Lck and Fyn, which are critical for initiating antigen receptor signaling [PubMed: 30510318]. In clinical immunology, CD45RC expression levels serve as a functional marker; high expression (CD45RC-high) identifies potent pro-inflammatory effector T cells, while low expression (CD45RC-low) is associated with regulatory T cells (Tregs) [PubMed: 26401005]. Consequently, CD45RC is a promising therapeutic target for inducing immune tolerance in conditions like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and organ transplant rejection. Experimental therapies, such as the monoclonal antibody AB791, are designed to selectively deplete CD45RC-high effector cells while preserving the protective Treg population, thereby preventing rejection without causing global immunosuppression [OSE Immunotherapeutics].

Other names

CD45RCPTPRC isoform RCLeukocyte common antigen RCL-CA RCCD45 isoform RC

Selective depletion of CD45RC-high effector T cells and B cells via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or apoptosis, while sparing CD45RC-low regulatory T cells to promote immune tolerance [PubMed: 26401005].