CD27

CD27, also known as TNFRSF7, is a transmembrane protein belonging to the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. It is expressed on a variety of immune cells, most notably on T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and natural killer cells. Its primary role is in immune regulation, particularly during adaptive immune responses.

CD27 plays a crucial part in the development and function of T and B cell populations. Upon activation, its ligand, CD70, can bind to CD27, triggering signaling pathways that promote lymphocyte survival, proliferation, and differentiation. This interaction is especially important for the formation of memory T cells and the maturation of antibody-producing B cells.

The CD27/CD70 pathway is vital for effective humoral immunity and long-term immunological memory. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in various autoimmune diseases and certain types of lymphomas. Due to its role in immune responses, CD27 is also a subject of research for immunotherapies, aiming to enhance or modulate immune cell activity. Its presence on different lymphocyte subsets allows it to serve as a marker for identifying specific immune cell populations and their activation states.