CD36

Summary

The main practical use for is in the recognition of megakaryocytic lineage (also called latelet gycoprotein 4) where expression is expected. However this cell surface receptor has a range of ligands and is expressed on other cells including those of monocyte/macrophage and erythrocyte lineage so the lineage specificity is not solely for this lineage.

Background

CD36 is often described as a receptor for thrombospondinn and is involved in platelet adhestion, although it also has a wides range of ligand recognition

Diagnostic Use

• A useful additional marker of megakaryocytic lineage proving the reactivity with other cells is recognised
• CD36 my also be expressed by cells of monocytic and erythrocyte lineages and occasionally granulocytic lineage
• In monocytic differentiation CD36 expression my precede CD14 expression so can be a marker of less differentiated monocytic forms

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