cutaneous lymphocyte antigen

Cutaneous lymphocyte antigen (CLA) is a specific marker found on certain immune cells called T lymphocytes that travel to the skin. It acts like a molecular "zip code," helping these cells home in on the skin tissue where they are needed to defend against infections or respond to inflammation. CLA interacts with molecules in the skin's blood vessels, guiding immune cells to their proper location. This targeted movement ensures that the immune response is focused on the skin, preventing unnecessary inflammation elsewhere in the body.