CD2 (also designated E-rosette receptor) interacts through its amino-terminal domain with the extracellular domain of CD58 (also designated CD2 ligand) to mediate cell adhesion. CD2/CD58 binding can enhance antigen-specific T cell activation. CD2 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is expressed on T lymphocytes, NK cells and thymocytes, as well as on mouse B cells and rat splenic macrophages. CD58 is a heavily glycosylated protein with a broad tissue distribution in hematopoietic and other cells, including endothelium.
