PSMA/CD3 Antibodies

Target Information

This gene encodes a type II transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the M28 peptidase family. The protein acts as a glutamate carboxypeptidase on different alternative substrates, including the nutrient folate and the neuropeptide N-acetyl-l-aspartyl-l-glutamate and is expressed in a number of tissues such as prostate, central and peripheral nervous system and kidney. A mutation in this gene may be associated with impaired intestinal absorption of dietary folates, resulting in low blood folate levels and consequent hyperhomocysteinemia. Expression of this protein in the brain may be involved in a number of pathological conditions associated with glutamate excitotoxicity. In the prostate the protein is up-regulated in cancerous cells and is used as an effective diagnostic and prognostic indicator of prostate cancer. This gene likely arose from a duplication event of a nearby chromosomal region. Alternative splicing gives rise to multiple transcript variants encoding several different isoforms.

The CD3 complex, composed of gamma, delta, epsilon, and zeta subunits, is essential for the assembly, trafficking, and surface expression of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex. These subunits are structurally related members of the immunoglobulin superfamily and are encoded by closely linked genes on human chromosome 11. CD3 is expressed by thymocytes in a developmentally regulated manner and by all mature T cells, but not on B or NK cells. The CD3 subunits play a crucial role in transducing antigen-recognition signals into the cytoplasm of T cells. The cytoplasmic tails of CD3 subunits contain a double tyrosine-based motif that associates with cytoplasmic signal transduction molecules, mediating T cell activation through the TCR. Crosslinking of the TCR initiates intracellular biochemical pathways that result in cellular activation, proliferation, and potentially growth arrest and cell survival. CD3 is present on 68-82% of normal peripheral blood lymphocytes, 65-85% of thymocytes, and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. Decreased percentages of T lymphocytes may be observed in some autoimmune diseases. Defects in the CD3 gene are associated with CD3 immunodeficiency, highlighting its importance in immune function and regulation.