A surface antigen that is a glycoprotein with a short protein sequence and a large carbohydrate domain expressed on T and B lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and some early hematopoietic cells.
Present in the male reproductive tract and is necessary for normal sperm motility.
Antibodies to CD52 initiates cell killing via antigen cross-linking with release of cytokines including tumor necrosis factor, alpha-interferon and IL-6.
Expressed on lymphocytes from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, low-grade lymphomas and most T-cell lymphomas.
Can be expressed in some patients with acute lymphocytic, myeloid and monocytic leukemias.
Higher plasma levels associated with more aggressive CLL and correlates with the number of circulating leukemic cells in the circulation, the degree of lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly.