Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Development of an Innovative LED-based Illumination Device for In Vitro Application of Photodynamic Therapy with Rose Bengal
Published on: September 12, 2025
CD47: role in the immune system and application to cancer therapy
Seyed Mohammad Gheibi Hayat1, Vanessa Bianconi2, Matteo Pirro2
1Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Background:
CD47 is a widely expressed cellular receptor well known for its immunoregulatory functions. By interacting with its ligands, including thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα), integrins, and SH2-domain bearing protein tyrosine phosphatase substrate-1 (SHPS-1), it modulates cellular phagocytosis by macrophages, transmigration of neutrophils and activation of dendritic cells, T cells and B cells. Ample studies have shown that various types of cancer express high levels of CD47 to escape from the immune system. Based on this observation, CD47 is currently considered as a prominent target in cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
Here, we review the role of CD47 in the maintenance of immune system homeostasis. We also depict three emerging CD47-targeting strategies for cancer therapy, including the use of mimicry peptides, antibodies, and gene silencing strategies. Among these approaches, the most advanced one is the use of anti-CD47 antibodies, which enhances cancer cell phagocytosis via inhibition of the CD47-SIRPα axis. These antibodies can also achieve higher anti-cancer efficacies when combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy and hold promise for improving the survival of patients with cancer.
Insights
CD47 is a key immune regulator often overexpressed in cancers to evade immune detection. Targeting CD47, particularly with antibodies blocking the CD47-SIRPα axis, shows promise for enhancing cancer therapy and improving patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- CD47 is a cellular receptor regulating immune functions like phagocytosis and immune cell activation.
- Cancer cells exploit high CD47 expression to evade immune surveillance.
- CD47 is a significant therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of CD47 in immune homeostasis.
- To explore emerging CD47-targeting cancer therapies.
- To highlight the potential of anti-CD47 antibodies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on CD47's function and targeting strategies.
- Analysis of CD47-SIRPα axis inhibition by antibodies.
- Evaluation of combination therapies involving CD47-targeting agents.
Main Results:
- CD47 plays a crucial role in maintaining immune system balance.
- Three main strategies for targeting CD47 in cancer include peptides, antibodies, and gene silencing.
- Anti-CD47 antibodies are the most advanced, enhancing phagocytosis by blocking the CD47-SIRPα interaction.
Conclusions:
- CD47-targeting therapies, especially antibodies, offer a promising approach to cancer treatment.
- Combination of anti-CD47 antibodies with chemotherapy or immunotherapy can improve anti-cancer efficacy.
- Targeting CD47 holds potential for improving survival rates in cancer patients.
Related Concept Videos
07:24Development of an Innovative LED-based Illumination Device for In Vitro Application of Photodynamic Therapy with Rose Bengal
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
14:04Neutrophil Isolation and Analysis to Determine their Role in Lymphoma Cell Sensitivity to Therapeutic Agents
08:45Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging (CLI) for Cancer Therapy Monitoring
09:40Tropomodulin 3 Overexpression as a Marker for Platinum Resistance and Immune Infiltration in Ovarian Cancer
08:56Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue