Cd1c

The term "CD", is the abbreviation for"CD-classification" and denotes groups of cellular surface features that have been arranged according to biochemical or functional criteria.

The "T-cell surface glycoprotein" CD1c, also known as R7 or M241, is a glycosylated surface protein that is mainly expressed by cortical thymocytes. The protein contains an immunoglobulin-like domain. The coding human CD1c gene is organized together with the other genes of the CD1 family (which contains 5 CD1 antigens CD1a-e) in a cluster on chromosome 1. Like the other members of the CD1 family, CD1c belongs to the MHC-I-like proteins and also has structural similarities with this molecule.

CD1c is involved in the adaptive immune response. It is essential for the presentation of lipids, lipopeptides and glycolipids to the T cell receptor of T cells. In particular, the role of CD1c in the presentation of lipid antigens e.g. from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic mycobacteria has been demonstrated. (Adams EJ 2013). In addition to lipids, CD1C also binds non-covalently to beta-2-microglobulin.

CD1c is expressed by cortical thymocytes, by Langerhans cells, by CD1c+ dendritic cells and by some B-lymphocytes. CD1c+ dendritic cells are mainly found in the conductive airways from the alveoli to the trachea. It has also been reported that CD1c is expressed on mature T cells.

Clinical diagnosis is the expression of CD1c in various types of cancer. T-cell leukemias is significant.

1. Adams EJ (2013) Various antigen presentation by the Group 1 CD1 molecule, CD1c. Mol Immunol 55:182-185.
2. Van Rhijn I et al (2013) CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c in immunity againstmycobacteria. Adv Exp Med Biol 783:181-197.