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Laeverin is Cell-Surface Target for Liquid-Phase Metastasizing Cancer Cells
Haruki Kasama1, Yuya Sakai1, Kyosuke Kagami1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|September 30, 2025
Summary
Laeverin (LVRN) is a novel cell-surface target found on metastatic cancer cells. Targeting LVRN with an antibody drug conjugate shows promise for treating advanced ovarian cancers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Laeverin (LVRN) is an immunoregulatory factor expressed on trophoblasts during placentation.
- Its role in cancer, particularly in metastasis, is largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate LVRN expression in epithelial cancers.
- To evaluate LVRN as a therapeutic target for metastatic cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of LVRN expression in cancer cell lines and patient tissues.
- In vitro and in vivo studies using anti-LVRN antibody-drug conjugates.
Main Results:
- LVRN is upregulated in various epithelial cancers, including ovarian, cervical, and breast cancer, correlating with POU5F1 expression.
- LVRN-positive circulating tumor cells indicate its presence during distant metastasis.
- Anti-LVRN antibody-drug conjugate demonstrated efficacy against ovarian cancer cell lines and peritoneal dissemination.
Conclusions:
- LVRN is a promising cell-surface target for liquid-phase metastasizing cancer cells.
- Targeting LVRN offers a potential therapeutic strategy for advanced and metastatic cancers.
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