CD6

Cluster of Differentiation 6 (CD6), also known as TP120, is a protein encoded by the CD6 gene in human. CD6 was observed on the outer membrane of T-lymphocytes, also was found on some other immune cells. It has three scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domains, as well as a binding site for an activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule. CD6 serves an essential role in the continuation of T cell activation.
Importantly, CD6 has been used as a drug target, because its expression is restricted, primarily to T cells. It owns a well-characterized cell surface ligand, CD166 and modulates T cell activation via a long cytoplasmic tail. Due to the ability that it enables to impact both the initiation and maintenance of T cell function in a negative and positive manner respectively, CD6 plays a crucial role in the understanding of these dual effects of a potential drug target. Additionally, CD52 is expressed on a variety of cancer cells, including head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, renal cancer, breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
Gene ID: 923
UniProt ID: P30203