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FcRn expression in cancer: Mechanistic basis and therapeutic opportunities
Imke Rudnik-Jansen1, Kenneth A Howard1
1Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Abstract:
There is an urgent need to identify new cellular targets to expand the repertoire, potency and safety of cancer therapeutics. Neonatal Fc Receptor (FcRn)-driven cellular recycling plays a predominant role in the prolonged serum half-life of human serum albumin (HSA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) exploited in long-acting cancer drug designs. FcRn-mediated HSA and IgG uptake in epithelial cells and dendritic cell antigen presentation offers new therapeutic opportunities beyond half-life extension. Altered FcRn expression in solid tumours accounting for HSA catabolism or recycling supports a role for FcRn in tumour metabolism and growth. This review addresses the mechanistic basis for different FcRn expression profiles observed in cancer and exploitation for targeted drug delivery. Furthermore, the review highlights FcRn-mediated immunosurveillance and immune therapy. FcRn offers a potential attractive cancer target but in-depth understanding of role and expression profiles during cancer pathogenesis is required for tailoring targeted drug designs.
Insights
New cancer therapeutics require novel cellular targets. The Neonatal Fc Receptor (FcRn) influences drug half-life and presents opportunities for targeted cancer therapies and immune modulation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The Neonatal Fc Receptor (FcRn) is crucial for extending the serum half-life of human serum albumin (HSA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG).
- FcRn-mediated uptake and antigen presentation by epithelial cells and dendritic cells offer novel therapeutic avenues.
- Altered FcRn expression in solid tumors suggests a role in tumor metabolism and growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanistic basis of FcRn expression in cancer.
- To explore the exploitation of FcRn for targeted drug delivery in cancer.
- To highlight FcRn's role in cancer immunosurveillance and immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of FcRn's role in cancer biology.
- Analysis of FcRn expression profiles in various cancers.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting FcRn.
Main Results:
- FcRn influences HSA catabolism and recycling within tumors.
- FcRn expression patterns vary across different cancer types.
- FcRn mediates antigen presentation, impacting immunosurveillance.
Conclusions:
- FcRn is a promising cancer target for drug delivery and immunotherapy.
- Understanding FcRn's role in cancer pathogenesis is key for developing targeted therapies.
- Further research is needed to tailor FcRn-targeted drug designs for optimal efficacy and safety.
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