CD56

Summary

CD56 principally is used in the identification and classification of LGL disorders; CD56 is also expressed in some cases of myeloma and may be used in detection of MRD.

Background

CD56 (Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule or NCAM) as most expressed on natural killer cells, but has been detected on other lymphoid cells including gamma delta T-cells and activated CD8 T cells as well as on dendritic cells.

Diagnostic Use

• In myeloma a CD56 may be expressed by malignant plasma cells, but not by normal plasma cells so can be useful in disease monitoring
• In T-LGL leukaemia CD56 is variably expressed and is frequently negative, but in lymphoproliferative disorders of NK cells CD56 expression is usual

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