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CD47 as a potent target in cancer immunotherapy: A review
Hiva Ahvati1, Raheleh Roudi2, Navid Sobhani3
1School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Cancer is the second-highest cause of death worldwide. Accordingly, finding new cancer treatments is of great interest to researchers. The current platforms to fight cancer such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are limited in efficacy, especially in the metastatic setting. In this war against cancer, the immune system is a powerful ally, but tumor cells often outsmart it through alternative pathways. Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47), a protein that normally prevents healthy cells from being attacked by immune cells, is often overexpressed on cancer cells. This makes CD47 a prime target for immunotherapy. Blocking of CD47 has the potential to unleash the immune system's cell populations-such as myeloid cells, macrophages, and T cells-to allow the immune system to discover and destroy cancer cells more successfully. In this review, we aimed to provide the latest information and findings about the roles of CD47 in the regulation of various cellular pathways and, thus, the importance of CD47 as a potential target in cancer therapy.
Insights
Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) is overexpressed on cancer cells, enabling them to evade immune detection. Blocking CD47 can potentially activate immune cells to target and destroy tumors, offering a promising new cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer is a leading global cause of death, with existing treatments facing limitations, particularly for metastatic disease.
- The immune system can combat cancer, but tumors often develop mechanisms to evade immune surveillance.
- Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) is a protein frequently overexpressed on cancer cells, acting as a 'don't eat me' signal to immune cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest findings on the role of CD47 in regulating cellular pathways.
- To highlight the significance of CD47 as a potential therapeutic target in cancer immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating CD47 expression and function in cancer.
- Analysis of research on the immunological effects of CD47 blockade.
Main Results:
- CD47 overexpression allows cancer cells to evade immune attack by inhibiting phagocytosis and immune cell activation.
- Blocking CD47 can restore the ability of immune cells, including macrophages and T cells, to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.
- CD47 plays a crucial role in various cellular signaling pathways relevant to cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- CD47 is a critical target for developing novel cancer immunotherapies.
- Targeting CD47 holds significant promise for overcoming treatment resistance and improving outcomes in metastatic cancer.
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