CD147 is a transmembrane glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is expressed more intensely on thymocytes than on mature peripheral blood T cells. CD147 is important in spermatogenesis, embryo implantation, neural network formation, and tumor progression. CD147 is involved in the regulation of matrix remodeling at the epidermal-dermal interface. It stimulates the production of interstitial collagenase, gelatinase A, stromelysin-1 and various metalloproteinases (MMPs) by fibroblasts. These enzymes, which are typically increased during tissue degradation and wound healing, are important factors in cancer invasion and metastasis.
