Published online before print October 30, 2009
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* Division of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Santa Chiara, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; and
Molecular Immunoogy Lab, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
1. Correspondence: Division of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Santa Chiara, University of Pisa, via Roma 56, 56100 Pisa, Italy. E-mail: dfocosi{at}tin.it
CD57+ expression in T lymphocytes has been recognized for decades as a marker of in vitro replicative senescence. In recent years, accumulating evidences have pointed on the utility of this marker to measure functional immune deficiency in patients with autoimmune disease, infectious diseases, and cancers. We review here the relevant literature and implications in clinical settings.
Key Words: LEU7 cancer autoimmunity immune senescence