CD2 is a surface glycoprotein expressed on T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and thymocytes. It functions as an adhesion molecule, interacting with ligands such as CD58 (LFA-3) on antigen-presenting cells. This interaction facilitates T cell activation and the formation of the immunological synapse. CD2 also plays a role in signal transduction, contributing to T cell proliferation and cytokine production. Its expression is essential for effective immune responses and has been studied in the context of autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection.
EGFR encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase that is involved in the regulation of cell growth, survival, and differentiation. It is activated by binding to its ligands, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), and mediates downstream signaling pathways that control cellular processes like proliferation, migration, and differentiation. EGFR is critical in normal development, wound healing, and tissue repair. However, mutations or overexpression of EGFR are associated with various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), making EGFR a target for cancer therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.