CD99 antigen (Cluster of differentiation 99), also known as MIC2 or single-chain type-1 glycoprotein, is a heavily O-glycosylated transmembrane protein that is encoded by the CD99 gene in humans. The CD99 gene does not undergo X inactivation on the X chromosome and it was the first such pseudoautosomal gene to be discovered in humans. It is expressed on all leukocytes but highest on thymocytes and is believed to augment T-cell adhesion and apoptosis of double positive T cells. It also participates in migration and activation. It is found on the cell surface of Ewing's sarcoma tumors and is positive in granulosa cell tumors. It is more expressed in malignant gliomas than in the brain, and such overexpression results in higher levels of invasiveness and lower rates of survival. Antibodies to CD99 are used in diagnostic immunohistochemistry to distinguish Ewing's sarcoma from other tumours of similar histological appearance, as well as for the identification of thymic tumours, and of spindle cell tumours, such as synovial sarcoma, haemangiopericytoma, and meningioma.
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