CD38 - Histology

What is CD38?

CD38 is a multifunctional enzyme and surface glycoprotein that is widely expressed in various cell types, including immune cells, muscle cells, and certain epithelial cells. It plays a significant role in cell adhesion, signal transduction, and calcium signaling.

Where is CD38 Expressed?

CD38 is prominently expressed on the surface of hematopoietic cells such as plasma cells, monocytes, and T and B lymphocytes. Additionally, it is found in non-hematopoietic tissues including the brain, pancreas, and liver.

What Functions Does CD38 Perform?

CD38 has several crucial functions:

Enzymatic Activity: It catalyzes the conversion of NAD+ into ADP-ribose, cyclic ADP-ribose, and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), which are important for intracellular calcium signaling.
Signal Transduction: CD38 participates in various signaling pathways, influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
Cell Adhesion: It facilitates cell-cell interactions, particularly in the immune system, aiding in immune responses.

How is CD38 Related to Diseases?

CD38 is implicated in several diseases:

Cancer: CD38 is overexpressed in certain cancers like multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It serves as a therapeutic target for monoclonal antibodies such as daratumumab.
Autoimmune Diseases: Abnormal CD38 expression is observed in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis.
Metabolic Disorders: CD38 is involved in the regulation of insulin secretion and glucose metabolism, linking it to metabolic conditions like diabetes.

How is CD38 Detected in Histological Samples?

CD38 can be detected in histological samples using immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, and western blotting. These techniques utilize specific antibodies against CD38 to visualize its expression and localization in tissues.

What are the Research Applications of CD38?

Research on CD38 spans several areas:

Immunology: Studying CD38's role in immune cell function and its potential as a biomarker for immune-related diseases.
Oncology: Investigating CD38-targeted therapies for cancers, particularly hematological malignancies.
Metabolism: Exploring CD38's involvement in metabolic pathways and its implications in metabolic disorders.

Conclusion

CD38 is a versatile molecule with significant roles in various physiological and pathological processes. Its wide expression and multifunctional nature make it a focal point in histological studies, with implications in disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.