CD177

CD177, also known as neutrophil defensin receptor, is a human gene that encodes a protein involved in the regulation of the immune system, particularly in the innate immune response. The protein product of this gene, CD177, is expressed on the surface of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the defense against infections and inflammation.

CD177 is a sialic acid-binding lectin that has been shown to have a role in cell-cell interactions, potentially regulating the recruitment of neutrophils to sites of inflammation. The protein is also involved in the regulation of the release of defensins, a type of antimicrobial peptide produced by neutrophils to help fight off microorganisms.

The CD177 gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 19. Variants of the gene have been associated with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare blood disorder characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells. Mutations in the CD177 gene have also been linked to chronic neutrophilic leukemia, a rare form of cancer that involves the uncontrolled growth of neutrophils.

Research on CD177 is ongoing, with a focus on the potential role of the protein in regulating neutrophil function and understanding its possible links to various diseases. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of CD177 in human immune responses and to explore its potential therapeutic applications.