CD30

CD30, also known as TNFRSF8, is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily. It is a transmembrane glycoprotein encoded by the TNFRSF8 gene and is expressed mainly on activated B and T lymphocytes, with some expression on natural killer cells and certain other immune cells. In normal physiology, CD30 participates in immune regulation through interactions with its ligand, CD30L (CD153), initiating signaling pathways such as NF-κB and MAP kinases that influence cell survival, proliferation, and cytokine production.

CD30 expression is particularly pronounced on malignant cells in certain lymphomas. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by strong CD30 expression on Reed-Sternberg cells, and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) also commonly expresses CD30. By contrast, resting lymphocytes typically show little CD30 on the cell surface. The CD30–CD30L signaling axis can affect T and B cell activation and differentiation, and in some contexts may promote apoptosis depending on cellular environment and signaling context.

Clinically, CD30 serves as a diagnostic marker, especially in immunohistochemical analyses to identify Hodgkin lymphoma and related diseases. It is also a therapeutic target; the antibody-drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin binds CD30 and delivers cytotoxic therapy to CD30-expressing cells, and is approved for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and systemic ALCL. Other anti-CD30 therapies have been explored in clinical trials.

Soluble CD30 can be detected in serum and may have prognostic value in certain diseases, reflecting shedding of the receptor from the cell surface.