The leukocyte common antigen, CD45 and other protein tyrosine phosphatases in hematopoietic cells.

Numerous protein tyrosine phosphatases have been characterized that are expressed by hematopoietic-derived cells. CD45, a transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase expressed by all nucleated cells of hematopoietic origin, has been a prototype for studying the function of these enzymes. In T lymphocytes, CD45 serves to dephosphorylate and activate members of the Src-tyrosine kinase family. Without CD45 function, T cells cannot respond to antigen. Therefore, CD45 functions positively to regulate lymphocyte activation. The characteristics of other protein tyrosine phosphatases found in hematopoietic-derived cells suggests that they are also essential in regulating cell differentiation and activation.