Cluster of differentiation

Cluster of Differentiation (or CD for short) is like a label that scientists use to tell different kinds of cells apart. Cells are really tiny and can look pretty similar to one another, so it can be confusing for scientists to tell the different kinds apart.

CD is like a code that scientists use to label cells so they can keep track of them and tell them apart from each other. Each type of cell has its own CD number, and all cells with the same CD number are the same kind of cell. Knowing the CD number helps scientists understand how different cells work and help them figure out new ways to treat diseases.