Cd41

Marker for: Platelets, Megakaryocytes

Structure: Dimer: GPIIba 125 kDa; GPIIbb 22 kDa

Note: CD41 binds with CD61 to form GPIIb. In addition, CD41 binds fibrinogen, fibronectin, thrombospondin and the von Willebrand factor

(see below) Cluster of differentiation

CD41 is encoded by the ITGA2B gene. ITGA2B stands for integrin subunit alpha 2b and is located on chromosome 17q21.31. 

The ITGA2B gene encodes a member of the integrin alpha-chain protein family. The encoded preproprotein undergoes proteolytic processing, resulting in light and heavy chains that link via disulfide bridges to form a subunit of the alpha-IIb/beta-3 integrin cell adhesion receptor. This receptor plays a crucial role in the blood coagulation system by mediating the aggregation of activated platelets via fibrinogen. It is therefore essential for platelet aggregation.

Mutations in ITGA2B are associated with platelet bleeding disorders characterized by impaired platelet aggregation, including Glanzmann thrombasthenia.

1. Jiang J et al. (2023) Platelet ITGA2B inhibits caspase-8 and Rip3/Mlkl-dependent platelet death via PTPN6 during sepsis. iScience 26:107414.
2. Nurden AT et al. (2011) "Glanzmann thrombasthenia: a review of ITGA2B and ITGB3 defects." Blood 118:5996–6005.