CD5 modulates T-cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling, acting as a negative regulator of immune activation. Key features include:
Expression: Found on 95% of thymocytes, 72% of peripheral T cells, and B1a cells .
Ligand Interaction: Binds CD72 on B cells, influencing T-B cell crosstalk and proliferation .
Pathological Relevance: Overexpressed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma, and T-cell malignancies .
CD5 monoclonal antibodies are critical in distinguishing hematologic malignancies:
Normal Tissues: Membranous staining in T-cell zones (tonsils, lymph nodes) and B1a cells .
Tumors: Strong membranous expression in CLL and partial positivity in colorectal cancer .
Anti-CD5 in Cancer: Blocking CD5 enhances cytotoxic T-cell activity against tumors. In murine models, anti-CD5 monoclonal antibodies delayed 4T1 breast tumor growth by increasing CD8+/CD4+ T-cell ratios and activation markers (CD69, Fas) .
CAR T/NK Cell Therapy: CD5-targeted CAR NK-92 cells eliminated CD5+ T-cell malignancies in xenograft models .
Preclinical studies suggest CD5 blockade reduces self-reactive T-cell activity, potentially treating autoimmune disorders .
Mechanistic Insights:
Gene Expression: RNA-seq data confirm CD5 expression in lymphoid tissues and epithelial subsets (e.g., bronchial glands) .
Orthogonal Strategies: Antibodies like MSVA-005R align with RNA expression data from the Human Protein Atlas .
Cross-Reactivity: Clone UCHT2 recognizes primate CD5 but not murine homologs, while 53-7.3 is mouse-specific .