T-cell surface antigen CD2 (CD2) (CD2)

T-cell surface antigen CD2, also known as Cluster of Differentiation 2, is a transmembrane glycoprotein and cell adhesion molecule primarily expressed on T-lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells [3, 7]. As a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, it plays a pivotal role in the immune response by mediating adhesion between T-cells and antigen-presenting cells through its interaction with ligands like CD58 (LFA-3) [7, 15]. This binding is essential for the formation and stabilization of the immunological synapse, providing co-stimulatory signals that enhance T-cell receptor-mediated activation and proliferation [19, 22]. CD2 is significantly upregulated on memory T-cells, making it a strategic target for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis [9, 19]. Therapeutic agents like alefacept, a fusion protein, and siplizumab, a monoclonal antibody, target CD2 to inhibit T-cell activation or induce the depletion of activated memory T-cells [1, 2, 4]. While effective in reducing inflammatory symptoms, targeting CD2 carries risks of lymphopenia and increased susceptibility to infections, necessitating regular monitoring of lymphocyte subsets [1, 9]. Additionally, CD2 serves as a diagnostic marker for T-cell malignancies and a prognostic indicator in various cancers [20, 23].

Other names

T-lymphocyte antigen CD2LFA-2SRBC receptorErythrocyte receptorRosette receptorT11Leu-5LFA-3 receptor

CD2 antagonism, inhibition of LFA-3/CD2 interaction, and depletion of memory T-cells via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or induction of apoptosis.