CD148, a new membrane tyrosine phosphatase involved in leukocyte function

Protein tyrosine phosphatases play an essential role in the control of leucocyte cell growth an differentiation. Recently a new receptor type membrane tyrosine phosphatase named CD148 has been identified. This molecule is present on the membrane of all the hematopoietic lineages as well as on several other cell types, mainly epithelial cells and its expression increases after cell activation. This molecule is able to act as a transducing molecule. Moreover, CD148 is able to modulate the signal transduction through the TCR/CD3 complex, in a manner similar to CD45. It has also been suggested that CD148 could be involved in mechanisms of differentiation and inhibition of cell growth. In addition, CD148 seems to be associated with a serine/threonine kinase in certain epithelial cell lines and leucocytes. Here, we review recent data on the expression and function of CD148 in both human, mouse and rat.