Antigen-receptor signaling requires Src-family kinases to initiate tyrosine phosphorylation. CD45 dephosphorylates the inhibitory site in Src-family kinases before antigen-receptor engagement and thus serves to prime the kinases. It has been unclear why CD45 does not also dephosphorylate activated kinases or motifs within the cytoplasmic domains of antigen-receptors and thus prevent signal transduction. Recent reports raise the possibility that CD45 is excluded from engaged antigen-receptors by mechanisms that may include the formation of lipid microdomains.