Podoplanin (D2-40)

Podoplanin is a transmembrane mucoprotein (38kD) recognized by the D2-40 monoclonal antibody.1 Podoplanin is selectively expressed in lymphatic endothelium1-6 as well as lymphangiomas,7 Kaposi sarcomas,6,8 and in a subset of angiosarcomas with probable lymphatic differentiation. Recent studies have also shown podoplanin to be a highly sensitive and relatively specific marker for epithelioid mesothelioma. Therefore, it can be used in a panel to distinguish mesotheliomas or mesothelial cells from pulmonary carcinomas.1,9,10