CD45 (2B11 & PD7/26), MMab

Summary and Explanation

The CD45 antigen is a protein which was originally called Leukocyte Common Antigen. It is a Type I transmembrane protein which is in various forms present on all differentiated hematopoietic cells except erythrocytes and assists in the activation of those cells (a form of co-stimulation). It is expressed in Lymphomas, B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Hairy Cell Leukemia, and Acute Non-lymphocytic Leukemia.

CD45 antibody routinely used to aid in the differential diagnosis of undifferentiated neoplasms, whenever malignant Lymphoma is suspected by the morphological or clinical data. It is a highly specific antibody; thus, a positive result is highly indicative of lymphoid or myeloid origin. Certain types of lymphoid neoplasms may lack CD45 (Hodgkin’s Disease, some T-cell Lymphomas and some Leukemias) so its absence does not rule out a hematolymphoid tumor. This antibody is exclusively expressed by cells of hematopoietic lineage and is present in most benign and malignant lymphocytes, erythrocytes and plasma cell precursors.