CD147 (50-60kD) has a wide tissue distribution on hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells including leukocytes, red blood cells, platelets and endothelial cells. As a potential adhesion molecule, CD147 may be involved in embryonic blood-brain barrier development and in integrin-mediated adhesion in brain endothelia. The reported functions of CD147 are diverse and include involvement in T-cell activation, cell adhesion and induction of matrix metalloproteinases.