CD59: Biological function and its potential for drug target action

CD59 is a major inhibitor of membrane attack complex (MAC) formation, which is anchored to the cell membrane by glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI). The protein is widely expressed in most human tissues. Several studies have reported the involvement of CD59 with several diseases such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), cancer, peripheral demyelination, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and viral infections. Herein, we summarized the biological structure and expression pattern of CD59, and its biological function, and focused on discussing the involvement of CD59 in several diseases and its potential for therapeutic use.