CD5 (also designated Lyt-1) has been identified as a transmembrane glycoprotein that is expressed on 70% of normal peripheral blood lymphocytes and on virtually all T lymphocytes in thymus and peripheral blood. Activation of T cells through the T cell receptor (TCR) results in tyrosine phosphorylation of CD5, and the absence of CD5 renders T cells hyper-responsive to TCR-mediated activation. CD5 associates with the TCR/ CD3-ζ chain and with the Src family kinase Lck p56. In vitro studies have shown a 10- to 15-fold increase in the kinase activity of Lck bound to CD5. The B cell antigen, CD72, serves as a receptor for CD5. The consequence of CD5 binding to its cognate receptor is still in question and likely plays a role in thymic selection. May act as a receptor in regulating T-cell proliferation.