Review
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World J Immunol. Nov 27, 2014; 4(3): 174-184
Published online Nov 27, 2014. doi: 10.5411/wji.v4.i3.174
Recent advances of cluster of differentiation 74 in cancer
Yu-Huei Liu, Jung-Yaw Lin
Yu-Huei Liu, Department of Medical Genetics and Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
Yu-Huei Liu, Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
Jung-Yaw Lin, Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
Jung-Yaw Lin, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 11051, Taiwan
Author contributions: Liu YH and Lin JY solely contributed to this paper.
Supported by National Science Council of Taiwan, No. NSC 98-2320-B-002-050-MY2 and No. NSC 102-2320-B-039-032-MY3
Correspondence to: Jung-Yaw Lin, PhD, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Room 942, No.1 Jen-Ai Road, Taipei 11051, Taiwan. linjy@ntu.edu.tw
Telephone: +886-2-23123456-88206 Fax: +886-2-23954776
Received: March 8, 2014
Revised: June 3, 2014
Accepted: July 25, 2014
Published online: November 27, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: There are several structural and functional variants of cluster of differentiation 74 (CD74), each with their own expression pattern. Although this diversity may be required for normal homeostasis, it can lead to aberrant proliferation when dysregulated. This review focuses on the primary role of CD74 in the immune system and how the activity of this evolutionarily conserved molecule is subverted during tumorigenesis.