CD1D

CD1d is a member of the CD1 (cluster of differentiation 1) family of glycoproteins expressed on the surface of various human antigen-presenting cells. They are related to the class I MHC molecules, and are involved in the presentation of lipid antigens to T cells. It is the only member of the group 2 CD1 molecules.

CD1d-presented lipid antigens activate a special class of T cells, known as Natural Killer T (NKT) cells. When activated, NKT cells rapidly produce Th1 and Th2 cytokines, typically represented by interferon-gamma and IL-4 production.