CD53

CD53 is a four-pass transmembrane protein of the tetraspanin family expressed broadly on leukocytes, including lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes and dendritic cells. Residing within tetraspanin-enriched membrane microdomains, it associates with integrins, CD4, CD8 and MHC molecules, organizing surface receptor clusters that strengthen adhesion and antigen-driven signaling. Loss-of-function mutations in TSPAN7, the gene encoding CD53, cause an X-linked immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent infections and impaired B-cell memory, underscoring a nonredundant role in human immunity. Flow-cytometric anti-CD53 antibodies serve as pan-leukocyte markers comparable to CD45 for immunophenotyping.