CD13/Aminopeptidase-N [2D8D11]

CD13, also known as aminopeptidase N, was originally identified as a cell surface glycoprotein expressed by cells of granulocytic and monocytic lineages at various differentiation stages. Sequence comparisons showed that the cDNA sequence of CD13 is identical to aminopeptidase N (APN), a prominent membrane-anchored metallopeptidase expressed by the brush borders of the smallintestinal and renal microvillar membrane, and also in other plasma membranes. Human APN is a receptor for one strain of human coronavirus that is an important cause of upper respiratory tract infections. Human CD13 may also mediate HCMV infection by a process that increases binding, but not its enzymatic domain. CD13 has been used as a myeloid marker. The antibody labels leukemic blasts in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is helpful in identifying AML subtype M0 acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). Additionally, CD13 is a sensitive but not entirely specific marker for anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+) anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs). CD13 is also expressed in nonhematopoietic cells including fibroblasts, bone marrow stromal cells, osteoclasts and epithelial cells. A canalicular staining pattern of CD13 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is useful in differentiation between HCC and non- HCC in liver.