What does the CD10 marker indicate?

The CD10 marker, also known as common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (CALLA), is primarily expressed on immature B and T lymphocyte precursors. It is used as a significant marker in the classification and diagnosis of hematological malignancies, particularly in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and certain types of lymphomas. When analyzing the immune system's cellular development, the presence of CD10 indicates that the cells are at an immature stage, specifically in their transition towards becoming fully functional lymphocytes.

The distinction of CD10's expression is crucial in distinguishing different stages of lymphocyte development, as it becomes a key indicator during the maturation processes of both B cells and T cells. This marker helps in identifying early immune cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood, and its presence can guide clinical decisions related to diagnosis and treatment options in hematological disorders.