LFA-3/CD58

LFA-3, designated CD58, is a cell-surface glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily expressed on essentially all human nucleated cells and erythrocytes. Its two extracellular Ig-like domains bind CD2 on T lymphocytes and NK cells, forming one of the canonical costimulatory ligand-receptor pairs; the CD2-CD58 interaction strengthens antigen-independent adhesion and delivers signals that lower the activation threshold of T cells. CD58 exists mainly in a GPI-anchored form, with a minor transmembrane splice variant. Genetically, variants in the CD58 locus are among the strongest susceptibility factors for multiple sclerosis identified in genome-wide studies, linking adhesive signaling to autoimmune disease.