CD205, also named DEC-205, belongs to the macrophage mannose receptor family of C-type lectin endocytic receptors. It is a novel endocytic receptor that can be used by dendritic cells and thymic epithelial cells to direct captured antigens from the extracellular space to a specialized antigen-processing compartment.CD205 is predominantly expressed by the thymic cortical epithelium and by dendritic cells (DC), but can also be detected at low levels in T and B lymphocytes and several other epithelial cell types. CD205 is a novel thymic epithelial marker that is important for the positive selection process of thymocytes. In a study reported by Nonaka et al. on 77 cases of thymic epithelial neoplasms, comprised of 58 cases of thymomas and 17 cases of thymic carcinomas, CD205 has been detected in 100% of type B thymomas, a majority (89%) of type A thymomas and 59% thymic carcinomas by immunohistochemistry. It is a sensitive and specific marker for thymoma, while the sensitivity to thymic carcinoma is lower than CD5 and CD117.
CD205, also named DEC-205, belongs to the macrophage mannose receptor family of C-type lectin endocytic receptors. It is a novel endocytic receptor that can be used by dendritic cells and thymic epithelial cells to direct captured antigens from the extracellular space to a specialized antigen-processing compartment.CD205 is predominantly expressed by the thymic cortical epithelium and by dendritic cells (DC), but can also be detected at low levels in T and B lymphocytes and several other epithelial cell types. CD205 is a novel thymic epithelial marker that is important for the positive selection process of thymocytes. In a study reported by Nonaka et al. on 77 cases of thymic epithelial neoplasms, comprised of 58 cases of thymomas and 17 cases of thymic carcinomas, CD205 has been detected in 100% of type B thymomas, a majority (89%) of type A thymomas and 59% thymic carcinomas by immunohistochemistry. It is a sensitive and specific marker for thymoma, while the sensitivity to thymic carcinoma is lower than CD5 and CD117.