CD21: A Potential Drug Target Or Biomarker (G1380)

Target Name: CR2

NCBI ID: G1380

CD21: A Potential Drug Target Or Biomarker

CR2 (CD21), a protein that is expressed in a variety of tissues throughout the body, including the immune system, nervous system, and endothelial system, has been identified as a potential drug target or biomarker in various diseases. Its functions and interactions with other proteins have been extensively studied, and its potential in drug development have been discussed in the scientific literature.

CD21 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is responsible for the activation and regulation of B cells, which are a critical immune cell involved in the generation of antibodies. CD21 is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 180 kDa and is expressed in various tissues, including the spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and skin.

CD21 plays a crucial role in the development and activation of B cells. When a B cell encounters an antigen that is specific for its CD21 receptor, it becomes activated and begins to undergo clonal expansion and differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells. CD21 is also involved in regulating the activation and proliferation of B cells, as well as their exit from the circulation.

CD21 has been shown to be involved in a variety of diseases and conditions, including autoimmune diseases, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and multiple myeloma. In these diseases, CD21 is often overexpressed or mutated, leading to the development of excessive or dysfunctional B cells.

One of the potential benefits of targeting CD21 is its potential as a therapeutic agent for autoimmune diseases. CD21 is known to be overexpressed in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis, and blocking its activity may offer a potential treatment for these diseases. Several studies have shown that targeting CD21 with small molecules or antibodies has the potential to be effective in treating these conditions.

Another potential application of CD21 is its use as a biomarker for monitoring disease progression in cancer. CD21 has been shown to be overexpressed in various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and ovarian cancer. Therefore, its levels can be used as a marker for disease progression and response to chemotherapy.

CD21 has also been identified as a potential drug target for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a type of blood cancer that is characterized by the overproduction of white blood cells called leukemia cells. In CLL, CD21 is often overexpressed and is thought to contribute to the disease's development and progression.

In addition to its potential as a drug target or biomarker, CD21 has also been studied for its potential role in cancer immunotherapy. CD21 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of T cell responses, and its blockade has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, CD21 may be a promising target for cancer immunotherapy.

CD21 has also been studied for its potential role in the development and treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that is characterized by the overproduction of multiple myeloma cells in the bone marrow. In multiple myeloma, CD21 is often overexpressed and is thought to contribute to the disease's development and progression.

In conclusion, CD21 is a protein that has been extensively studied for its functions and interactions with other proteins. Its potential as a drug target or biomarker has been identified in a variety of diseases and conditions, including autoimmune diseases, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and multiple myeloma. Further research is needed to fully understand its potential as a therapeutic agent and to develop safe and effective treatments.

Protein Name: Complement C3d Receptor 2

Functions: Receptor for complement C3, for the Epstein-Barr virus on human B-cells and T-cells and for HNRNPU (PubMed:7753047). Participates in B lymphocytes activation (PubMed:7753047)

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