CD123

Antigen Background
The CD123 antigen is also known as the alpha subunit of the human interleukin-3 receptor. It is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein and is a member of the cytokine receptor superfamily. CD123 forms a heterodimer with CD131 (the beta subunit of the interleukin-3 receptor) to form the interleukin-3 receptor, where the cytokine specificity is provided by the alpha subunit and the signal transduction function is provided by the beta subunit. The interleukin-3 receptor is reported to be expressed on monocytes, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, megakaryocytes, erythroid precursors, mast cells, macrophages and a subpopulation of B cells, where it mediates proliferation and differentiation of these cells. Outside the hematopoietic system CD123 is reported to be expressed in Leydig cells of the testis, some endothelial cells, and cells of the placenta and brain.

Disclaimer
CD123 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.