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Background
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Cluster of differentiation 23 (CD23) is also known as Low affinity immunoglobulin epsilon Fc receptor (FCER2), C-type lectin domain family 4 member J (CLEC4J), Fc-epsilon-RII (FcεRII), Immunoglobulin E-binding factor (IGEBF), is the "low-affinity" receptor for IgE, an antibody isotype involved in allergy and resistance to parasites, and is important in regulation of IgE levels. Unlike many of the antibody receptors, CD23 is a C-type lectin. It is found on mature B cells, activated macrophages, eosinophils, follicular dendritic cells, and platelets.There are two forms of CD23: CD23a and CD23b. CD23a is present on follicular B cells, whereas CD23b requires IL-4 to be expressed on T-cells, monocytes, Langerhans cells, eosinophils, and macrophages. CD23 is known to have role of transportation in antibody feedback regulation. Antigen that enters the blood stream is captured by antigen specific IgE antibodies. The IgE immune complexes that are formed bind to CD23 Molecules on B cells, and are transported to the B cell follicles of the spleen. The antigen is then transferred from CD23+ B cells to CD11c+ antigen presenting cells. The CD11c+ cells in turn present the antigen to CD4+ T cells, which can lead to an enhanced antibody response. In flow cytometry, CD23 is helpful in the differentiation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CD23-positive) from mantle cell leukemia (CD23-negative).
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