Description

CD56 is a single transmembrane glycoprotein also known as NCAM (neural cell adhesion
molecule), Leu-19, or NKH1. It is a member of the Ig superfamily. The 140 kD isoform is
expressed on NK and NKT cells. CD56 is also expressed in the brain (cerebellum and cortex)
and at neuromuscular junctions. Certain large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemias, small-cell
lung carcinomas, neuronal derived tumors, myelomas, and myeloid leukemias also express
CD56. CD56 plays a role in homophilic and heterophilic adhesion via binding to itself or
heparan sulfate.