Lineage markers

Lineage markers are specific proteins or antigens that are expressed on the surface of cells, which can be used to identify and distinguish different cell types in the immune system. These markers are often used in immunology and cell biology research to track the development and differentiation of specific cell lineages.

Overview

Lineage markers are typically identified using antibody staining techniques, such as flow cytometry. These markers can be used to distinguish between different cell types, such as T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, and monocytes. They can also be used to identify the stage of differentiation of a cell, which can provide important information about the cell's function and potential role in disease.

Types of Lineage Markers

There are many different types of lineage markers, each associated with a specific cell type or stage of differentiation. Some of the most commonly used lineage markers include:

• CD3: A marker for T cells.
• CD19: A marker for B cells.
• CD56: A marker for natural killer cells.
• CD14: A marker for monocytes.

Applications

Lineage markers are used in a variety of research applications, including:

• Immunophenotyping: This is the process of identifying and characterizing cells based on their lineage markers. This can be used to study the immune response in health and disease, and to identify potential targets for immunotherapy.
• Cell Sorting: Lineage markers can be used to sort cells into different populations based on their type or stage of differentiation. This can be useful for studying specific cell populations in more detail.
• Disease Diagnosis and Monitoring: Changes in the expression of lineage markers can be indicative of disease. For example, an increase in the number of cells expressing a specific marker could suggest an immune response to infection or inflammation. Monitoring these changes over time can provide valuable information about the progression of disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

See Also

• Flow Cytometry
• Immunophenotyping
• Cell Differentiation
• Immunotherapy

References

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