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.

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.

Related Concept Videos

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
7.2K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.0K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.3K
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
8.0K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.5K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
4.8K