Cd1a

Markers for: thymocytes, Langerhans cells, interdigitating cells, B cell subtypes, dendritic cells, cortical thymocytes, thymomas, T cell lymphomas, lymphoblasts.

Structure: Membrane glycoprotein (49 kDa)

Application: FACS, IHC (P) (G), IF

CD1a is an antigen that is mainly expressed on the surface of dendritic cells and Langerhans cells. It plays a role in the presentation of lipid- and glycolipid-based antigens to T cells, particularly to CD1-restricted T cells.

CD1a-positive dendritic cells (DCs) may play a role in antigen presentation during infection with Leishmania species, particularly in the initiation of the T cell response. Some studies have shown that CD1a-expressing cells may be increased in skin biopsies from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Note: Activation of CD1a-restricted T cells may contribute to the control of Leishmania infections, particularly through the presentation of Leishmania-associated lipid antigens. There is evidence that impaired or altered expression of CD1a in the skin may correlate with the course and severity of cutaneous leishmaniasis (Lopez-Trujillo E et al. 2021).

1. Hantschke M et al. (2016) Immunohistologic techniques. In: L. Cerroni et al. Histopathology of the skin. Springer Verlag Berlin-Heidelberg pp. 26-33.
2. Lopez-Trujillo E et al. (2021)* Diagnostic usefulness of immunohistochemical evaluation of CD1a antigen and polyclonal anti-leishmania antibodies in cutaneous leishmaniasis. Histol Histopathol 36:567-576.