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Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Isolation and Activation of Murine Lymphocytes
08:08

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Published on: October 30, 2016

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Signaling lymphocytic activation molecules Slam and cancers: friends or foes?

Gregory Fouquet1, Ingrid Marcq1, Véronique Debuysscher1

  • 1INSERM 1247-GRAP, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé CURS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, CHU Sud, Amiens, France.

Oncotarget
|April 18, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecules (SLAM) receptors, initially known for immune cell roles, are now implicated in cancer. Their functions in neoplastic transformations suggest potential as tumor markers and therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecules (SLAM) family receptors are primarily known for their roles in immune cell function.
  • These receptors utilize Immunoreceptor Tyrosine based Switch Motifs (ITSMs) to interact with SH2 domain-containing proteins, mediating signaling pathways.
  • Emerging evidence highlights SLAM family involvement in diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes, including viral entry and immune response regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the significant findings on the implications and characteristics of SLAM receptors in oncology.
  • To explore the recently deciphered roles of SLAM in the pathophysiology of neoplastic transformations.
  • To discuss the potential of SLAM as novel tumor markers, diagnostic tools, or therapeutic targets for cancer progression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review summarizing major observations on SLAM family receptors in cancer.
  • Analysis of evidence linking SLAM functions to neoplastic transformations.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting SLAM in oncological contexts.

Main Results:

  • SLAM family receptors, beyond their immune functions, are increasingly recognized for their involvement in cancer development and progression.
  • Specific roles of SLAM in neoplastic transformations have been elucidated, highlighting their potential significance.
  • The study identifies SLAM as promising candidates for new tumor markers, diagnostic applications, and therapeutic interventions in oncology.

Conclusions:

  • SLAM family receptors represent a critical link between immune regulation and cancer pathophysiology.
  • Their involvement in neoplastic transformations positions them as valuable targets for cancer research and treatment.
  • Further investigation into SLAM's oncological roles could lead to innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
SLAMF moleculescancerpathophysiologytherapy

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