CD7

Antigen Background

The CD7 molecule is a membrane-bound glycoprotein of 40 kD and is the earliest T cell specific antigen to be expressed in lymphocytes. CD7 antigen is also the only early marker to persist throughout differentiation. The function and role of the CD7 molecule has not yet been fully identified, although the activation of T cells with gamma/delta receptors has been proposed based on mAb-induced activation. CD7 antigen is reported to be found on the majority of peripheral blood T cells, most natural killer cells and thymocytes.

Disclaimer

CD7 is recommended for the detection of specific antigens of interest in normal and neoplastic tissues, as an adjunct to conventional histopathology using non-immunologic histochemical stains.