CD31 is also called PECAM-1 for platelet
endothelial cell-adhesion molecule. It plays a
key role in removing aged neutrophils from the
body. CD-31 is normally found on stem cells,
endothelial cells, platelets, macrophages and
Kupffer cells, granulocytes, T/NK cells, lymphocytes,
megakaryocytes, fibroblasts, osteoclasts
and neutrophils. CD-31 is also expressed in
certain tumors, including Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma,
Epithelioid Sarcoma-like
Hemangioendothelioma, other vascular tumors,
Histiocytic malignancies, and Plasmacytomas.
It is rarely found in some sarcomas and carcinomas.
CD-31 and macrophages play a key role in
tissue regeneration.
CD31 is widely used to identify the vascular origin
of neoplasms, as it is a highly specific and sensitive
marker for vascular endothelial cells.