Which cell types are identified by the CD5 marker?

The CD5 marker is most commonly associated with T cells. It plays a role in T cell activation and differentiation, making it a key identifier for these immune cells. In humans, CD5 is expressed on a majority of T cells and is also present on a subset of B cells, particularly in certain conditions; however, it is primarily used to characterize T cells in most contexts.

In the realm of cytometry and cell identification, the presence of CD5 helps distinguish T cells from other immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages, which do not express this marker. Thus, recognizing CD5 expression is integral to understanding the immune phenotype and functions of T cells in various clinical and research settings.