CD34

CD34 is a heavily glycosylated transmembrane sialomucin expressed on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, vascular endothelial cells and fibroblast-like stromal cells. Although its precise ligand interactions remain incompletely defined, CD34 is thought to modulate adhesion, progenitor proliferation and cell migration through negatively charged extracellular mucin domains. The antigen's restricted pattern makes it the clinical standard for enumerating and isolating stem cells for transplantation, and CD34-based immunoselection supplies grafts for autologous and allogeneic use. In diagnostic pathology, CD34 staining labels endothelial cells and is used to identify vascular tumors and stromal lesions such as solitary fibrous tumor.