CD19 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that contains two extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains. CD19 is selectively expressed on the cell surface of B-lymphocytes, where it activates intracellular signaling cascades involving both Ras and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways. Activation of CD19 results in cross-linking of the membrane protein immunoglobulin chains and the subsequent association with Src family protein tyrosine kinases (PTK). Expression of CD19 is continuous throughout B-cell development and through terminal differentiation of B-cells into plasma cells. CD19 forms functional complexes with B-lymphocyte surface proteins, including integrin b1, CD21 and CD81, which are involved in regulating B-cell development.
