CD74, also known as the invariant chain (Ii), is a protein encoded by the CD74 gene on chromosome 5q32. It contains 296 amino acids and has a molecular weight of around 33 kDa. CD74 undergoes various post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation and glycosylation, contributing to its structure and function. It primarily functions as a chaperone protein involved in antigen presentation, particularly in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, where it plays a crucial role in the assembly, trafficking, and peptide loading of MHC class II molecules. Additionally, CD74 has been implicated in other cellular processes, including cell survival, apoptosis, and immune regulation.
CD74 is mainly an intracellular protein found in endosomes and lysosomes, expressed in a wide range of tissues and cell types, with particularly high levels found in antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes. Various factors can regulate its expression, including inflammatory cytokines, microbial products, and cellular differentiation signals. The upregulation of CD74 expression is often observed in response to immune activation and inflammatory stimuli, reflecting its role in antigen processing and presentation. Dysregulated CD74 expression has been associated with various autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and cancer.
This protein’s expression patterns have been extensively studied in malignancies and inflammatory conditions, offering valuable insights into disease diagnosis and prognosis. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, increased CD74 expression is observed in affected tissues, where it may contribute to aberrant immune responses and tissue damage. Additionally, CD74 expression has been implicated in cancer progression and metastasis, with high levels of CD74 expression correlating with poor prognosis in certain cancer types. In classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), high CD74 expression levels are characteristic, and immunohistochemistry for CD74 is commonly utilized for diagnostic purposes.
Regarding prognosis, CD74 expression levels in certain cancers have been linked to clinical outcomes. In cHL, elevated CD74 expression is associated with aggressive disease behavior and poorer prognosis. Similarly, in malignancies like pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), CD74 expression has been investigated as a potential prognostic marker, though further validation is necessary for clinical application.
Furthermore, CD74 overexpression, which is common in these cancers, makes it a promising therapeutic target. The monoclonal antibody milatuzumab has been studied in clinical trials for the treatment of hematological malignancies, including multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Additionally, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) STRO-001 targeting CD74 in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) and multiple myeloma (MM) has been evaluated. Preclinical studies show that STRO-001 effectively targets CD74-expressing cancer cells with potent cytotoxicity, particularly in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) models. STRO-001 also induces tumor regression, demonstrating its potential efficacy.
NeoBiotechnologies offers a variety of antibodies against CD74 that have been validated for ELISA, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Additionally, we hold exclusive rights to CD74 antibodies available for licensing or collaboration [https://www.neobiotechnologies.com/shop/?s=cd74].
Synonyms
HLA class II histocompatibility antigen gamma chain | Class-II-associated invariant chain peptide, HLA-DR antigens-associated invariant chain, Ia antigen-associated invariant chain, CLIP, DHLAG, Gamma chain of class II antigens, HLA class II histocompatibility antigen gamma chain, HLA-DR antigens-associated invariant chain, HLADR-gamma (HLADG), Ia antigen-associated invariant chain, la-gamma, Major histocompatibility complex class II invariant chain, MHC HLA-DR gamma chain
Research Areas
Cardiovascular, Immunology, B Cell Markers