CD24 is a
sialoglycoprotein expressed at the surface of most
B lymphocytes and differentiating
neuroblasts. It is also expressed on
neutrophils and neutrophil precursors from the
myelocyte stage onwards. The encoded protein is anchored via a
glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) link to the cell surface. The protein also contributes to a wide range of downstream signaling networks and is crucial for neural development. Cross-linking of CD24 on the surface of neutrophils induces
apoptosis, and this appears to be defective in
sepsis. This discovery highlights CD24’s role in marking apoptotic subpopulations that exhibit metabolic activity and proliferative capacities, contributing to melanoma’s resilience and potential metastasis. == References ==