CD27, also known as TNFRSF7, is a member of the TNF-receptor superfamily limited to cells of the lymphoid lineage, and exists as both a dimeric glycoprotein on the cell surface and as a soluble protein in serum. As a type I transmembrane glycoprotein of about 55 kDa existing as disulfide-linked homodimer, CD27 has been shown to play roles in lymphoid proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.It has important role in generation of T cell immunity, and is an apparently robust marker for normal memory B cells. It is a T and B cell co-stimulatory molecule, the activity of CD27 is governed by its TNF-like ligand CD70 on lymphocytes and dendritic cells. The CD27-CD70 interaction is required for Th1 generation responses to differentiation signals and long-term maintenance of T cell immunity, and meanwhile, plays a key role in regulating B-cell differentiation, activation and immunoglobulin synthesis.
