Leucocyte common antigen
**Core Concept**
The leucocyte common antigen (LCA) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that serves as a marker for hematopoietic cells, particularly T and B lymphocytes, and other leucocytes. It is also known as CD45 and plays a crucial role in the activation of T cells and B cells by facilitating the phosphorylation of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) in the T-cell receptor (TCR) complex.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the function of CD45 in facilitating the activation of T cells and B cells. CD45 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that has two isoforms, CD45RA and CD45RB, which are generated by alternative splicing of the CD45 gene. CD45 is expressed on the surface of all leucocytes, except for mature red blood cells and platelets. It functions as a protein tyrosine phosphatase, dephosphorylating the ITAMs in the TCR complex, which is essential for the activation of T cells and B cells.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because CD45 is not a marker for platelets or mature red blood cells. While it is true that CD45 is not expressed on the surface of mature red blood cells, this option is too vague and does not accurately describe the role of CD45 in leucocytes.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because CD45 is not a marker for erythrocytes. While it is true that CD45 is not expressed on the surface of mature red blood cells, this option is too vague and does not accurately describe the role of CD45 in leucocytes.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because CD45 is a marker for leucocytes, not erythrocytes. While it is true that CD45 is not expressed on the surface of mature red blood cells, this option is too vague and does not accurately describe the role of CD45 in leucocytes.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because CD45 is not a marker for platelets. While it is true that CD45 is not expressed on the surface of platelets, this option is too vague and does not accurately describe the role of CD45 in leucocytes.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The leucocyte common antigen (LCA) is a crucial marker for hematopoietic cells, particularly T and B lymphocytes, and other leucocytes. It plays a vital role in the activation of T cells and B cells by facilitating the phosphorylation of the ITAMs in the TCR complex.
**Correct Answer:** CD45. CD45 is the leucocyte common antigen.