CD146 Antigen

The CD146 molecule, also known as S-Endo, is a single chain transmembrane glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 118 kDa, belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgS). The extracellular structure consists of five Ig-like domains: two V-type, and three C2-type Ig-like domains. The CD146 antigen is related to cell adhesion molecules of the IgS family and its presence is concentrated at regions of cell-cell contact, confirming its role in adhesion and particularly in maintenance of monolayer integrity. CD146 is constitutively expressed in the endothelium, and is also observed on other cell types such as smooth muscle cells, and intermediate trophoblasts. Among peripheral whole blood leucocytes, CD146 expression is not detected, except on a subset of activated T-lymphocytes.