CD2 belongs to T lymphocyte glycoproteins of immunoglobulin superfamily. Its interaction with CD58 stabilizes adhesion between T cells and antigen presenting or target cells. Relatively low affinity of CD2 to CD58 (as measured in solution) is compensated within the two-dimensional cell-cell interface to provide tight adhesion. Moreover, T cell activation induces increased CD2 expression and its lateral mobility, making easier contact between CD2 and CD58. Subsequently, T cell activation causes fixation of CD58-CD2 at sites of cell-cell contact, thereby strengthening intercellular adhesion. CD2 deficiency reduces intestinal inflammation and helps to control infection.Specificity : The rat monoclonal antibody RM2-5 recognizes an extracellular epitope of CD2, a 50 kDa glycoprotein present on the human peripheral blood T lymphocytes and NK cells; also expressed by all thymocytes.