Description |
CD69 is also known as activation-induced molecule (AIM), early activation antigen (EA-1), very early activation antigen (VEA), C-type lectin domain family 2 member C (CLEC2C), MLR-3, GP32/28 and Leu-23. CD69 is a transmembrane type II homodimer receptor. CD69 is comprised of disulfide-linked, differentially glycosylated core protein subunits that are approximately 28 and 34 kDa in size. Each subunit contains a C-type lectin domain. CD69 is expressed on activated T, B, and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes, thymocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and platelets. In normal peripheral blood, a small and variable percentage of lymphocytes typically express detectable membrane CD69 antigen. Upon activation, CD69 antigen expression increases on lymphocytes. Peak CD69 expression generally occurs within 18 hours of activation, preceding the appearance of HLA-DR, IL-2Rα (CD25) and transferrin receptor (CD71). CD69 is highly expressed on the bright CD3+ subset of thymocytes. FN50 monoclonal antibody labels NK cells and most lymphocytes of the follicular mantle and perifollicular/interfollicular zone as well as germinal center T cells of lymph nodes and tonsils. Studies indicate that CD69 serves as a signaling receptor in the activation of a variety of cell types. |