Function
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily, also known as the tetraspanin family. Most of these members are cell-surface proteins that are characterized by the presence of four hydrophobic transmembrane domains. Tetraspanins mediate signal transduction events that play a role in the regulation of immune responses, cell development, activation, growth and motility. [7] [8] [9] [10] CD37 expression is restricted to cells of the immune system, with highest abundance on mature B cells, and lower expression is found on T cells and myeloid cells. CD37 is a cell surface glycoprotein that is known to complex with integrins and other transmembrane 4 superfamily proteins. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. [6] CD37 controls both humoral [11] [12] and cellular immune responses. [13] [14] [15] CD37-deficiency in mice leads to spontaneous development on B cell lymphoma, [16] and patients with CD37-negative lymphomas have a worse clinical outcome. [17]
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