Cluster of differentiation

Common card · No. 440075

The cluster of differentiation (also known as cluster of designation or classification determinant and often abbreviated as CD) is a protocol used for the identification and investigation of cell surface molecules providing targets for immunophenotyping of cells. In terms of physiology, CD molecules can act in numerous ways, often acting as receptors or ligands important to the cell. A signal cascade is usually initiated, altering the behavior of the cell (see cell signaling). Some CD proteins do not play a role in cell signaling, but have other functions, such as cell adhesion. Although there are more than 400 molecules used for inmunophenotyping, according to the Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigens (HLDA), in humans there are 371 different CDs (as of October, 2026). This is because there are many subtypes of each CD, like CD1a, CD1b, and so forth.

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