CD33 is a member of the sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (Siglec) family that is highly expressed on myeloid progenitor cells. Assessment of CD33 expression is of great importance in the immunodiagnosis of acute leukemia, allowing distinction between myeloid and lymphoid origin, as CD33 is generally restricted to the myelomonocytic lineage. CD33 can associate with the protein-tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2 and thus could modulate downstream signaling events associated with cell activation. Common variants of CD33 have been found to be associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.