ABSTRACT
This chapter maps the journey from hematopoietic stem cell to mature monocyte, dendritic cells (DCs), or lymphocytes, including natural killer (NK) cells. The membrane marker changes and key transcriptional factors are emphasized as the cells progress down the various differentiation pathways outlined in the chapter. The chapter also discusses the wide variety of functions of membrane markers, including antigen-specific receptors, co-stimulatory molecules, adhesion molecules, inhibitory receptors, growth factor receptors, cytokine receptors, chemokine receptors, and receptors that mediate cell death. The chapter includes an updated description of the more recently identified cell types and respective surface markers. The clinical application of surface markers and the association of specific markers with pathological conditions are also covered in this chapter.
