The CD1 multigene family encodes five forms of the CD1 T-cell surface glycoprotein in human, designated CD1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E. CD1, a type 1 membrane protein, has structural similarity to the MHC class I antigen and has been shown to present lipid antigens for recognition by T lymphocytes. CD1 antigens are associated with β-2-Microglobulin and expressed on cortical thymocytes, Langerhans cells, a B cell subset and some dendritic cells. Specifically, CD1A is a marker for Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and is found on interdigitating cells. Adaptor-protein complexes and CD1-associated chaperones control CD1 trafficking, and the development and activation of CD1-restricted T cells. Constitutive endocytosis of CD1B molecules and the differential sorting of MHC class II from lysosomes separate peptide- and lipid antigen-presenting molecules during dendritic cell maturation. CD1B is also expressed in interdigitating cells. The human CD1 genes are all closely linked in a cluster mapping at chromosome 1q23.1.
