title: Structure and function of the CD7 molecule.
abstract: CD7 is a single-domain Ig superfamily molecule expressed on human T and NK cells, as well as on cells in the early stages of T, B, and myeloid cell differentiation. CD7 is highly expressed on malignant immature T cells and is generally absent on malignant mature T cells, such as CD4+ Sezary leukemia and HTLV-1+ adult T-cell leukemia cells. Because of lack of identification of a natural ligand and lack of a monoclonal antibody against murine CD7, the in vivo functions of CD7 have until recently remained obscure. Recent studies in CD7-deficient mice have provided new insights into CD7 function, and demonstrated key roles for CD7 in regulating peripheral T and NK cell cytokine production and sensitivity to LPS-induced shock syndromes. This article reviews recent work on the expression, structure, and function of CD7, and discusses roles the CD7 molecule might play in T and NK cell development and function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Sempowski
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.forename: B F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Haynes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019011:Antigens, CD7 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D011487:Protein Conformation
chemical_list: D019011:Antigens, CD7