CD7: Proteins and Enzymes

CD7 (Leu-9) is expressed on T cells, NK cells, myeloid progenitor cells, and CD19+ B progenitor cells. Among CD8+ T cells, the CD7-bright population preferentially contains naïve and memory cells, while more weak expressors are primarily effector cells. CD7 associates in cis with CD3 and CD45 and in trans with SECTM1. Ligation of CD7 co stimulates the activation and proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and NK cells. It also enhances integrin-mediated adhesion of these cells to Fibronectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1. CD7 additionally mediates the Galectin-1 induced apoptosis of T cells and facilitates the fusion of HIV-1 with target cells.