Uses
These images and the collection of this vast data set can be viewed on the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) site by clicking on the Image Gallery link. To view these
protocols and other useful information about Prestige Antibodies and the HPA, visit .
General Description
CD74 (cluster of differentiation 74) is the invariant chain of MHC (major histocompatibility) complex class II. It was the first receptor to be recognized for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). It is a membrane receptor.
Biochem/physiol Actions
CD74 (cluster of differentiation 74) acts as the chaperone of MHC-II (major histocompatibility) and is responsible for the trafficking of MHC-II molecules in APCs (antigen presenting cells). It also interacts with non-MHC proteins and functions as a receptor for MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor). MIF is a pleiotropic cytokine having pro-tumorigenic and pro-inflammatory functionality. It is involved in the progression and metastasis of hematologic and solid cancers, and its up-regulation in thyroid cancer might be linked with advanced tumor stage. In patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, the over-expression of this protein functions as an independent prognostic marker for overall survival.
