CD1 (Cluster of Differentiation 1) is a family of glycoproteins involved in the presentation of antigens on the surface of specific cells to NKT cells. Amongst these CD1-presenting cells can be counted splenic dendritic cells, marginal zone B cells and CD4+CD8+ thymocytes.
This family is made of two main groups: group 1 is composed of CD1a, b and c proteins and group 2 is composed of CD1d proteins. Thus, the structure and function of such proteins in mice are akin to those of humans. Mice doesn’t express group 1 CD1 molecules. Instead, they have two kinds of CD1d molecules. Therefore, they have been widely used to characterize the functions of CD1d and CD1d-dependent NKT cells in many diseases.
Function
Structure
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