Oct-2 is a transcription factor of the POU homeo-domain family that binds to the Ig gene octamer sites, regulating B-cell-specific genes. The oct-2 expression can be used as a B-cell lineage and differentiation marker. Germinal center B-cells, mantle B-cells, monocytoid B-cells, and plasma cells show high-level expression of Oct-2. Additionally, mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, plasmacytoma, Burkitt lymphoma, diffuse large cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma display increased expression of Oct-2. Several studies of Oct-2 expression have shown a low-level expression in pre-B, T-cell, myelomonocytic, and epithelial cell lines. In contrast, all mature B-cell lines have high levels of expression. Despite scanty evidence for Oct-2 expression in T cells, it is believed that this factor participates in transcriptional regulation during T-cell activation.