CD77 (globotriaosylceramide Gb3), also known as the Pk blood group antigen, BLA (Burkitt´s lymphoma associated antigen), or CTH (ceramide trihexoside) is a neutral glycosphingolipid composed of three carbohydrate molecules linked to a lipid moiety in the cell membrane (Gal-alpha1-4Gal-beta1-4Glc-beta1-Cer). It is expressed on germinal center B cells, Burkitt´s lymphoma cells, it can be induced on extrafolicular B cells and it is also found on endothelia and epithelia. CD77 may be involved in elimination of germinal center B cells that fail to produce high affinity antibodies, and serves also as receptor for shiga toxin and verotoxin.
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.