Alkaline phosphatase placental-like 2 (ALPPL2)

Alkaline phosphatase placental-like 2 (ALPPL2) is an oncofetal protein that has recently been identified as a highly specific cell surface antigen associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). While it is normally expressed during fetal development and in placental trophoblasts, its expression is virtually absent in healthy adult tissues, making it an ideal candidate for targeted cancer therapy. In the context of pancreatic cancer, ALPPL2 is ectopically overexpressed on the cell surface and is involved in promoting tumor cell growth and invasion. Therapeutic strategies targeting ALPPL2 include monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and RNA aptamers. For instance, the hPAM4 antibody (Clivatuzumab) was developed to target a pancreatic-associated mucin-like antigen that was later linked to specific glycoforms or associated proteins like ALPPL2 in certain contexts. Because of its high tumor specificity and presence on exosomal surfaces, ALPPL2 is also being investigated as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.

Other names

Alkaline phosphatase placental-like 2ALPPL-2Germ cell alkaline phosphataseGCAPNagao isozymePlacental-like alkaline phosphatasePLAP-likePancreatic carcinoma-associated cell surface antigen

Targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents (ADCs) or radiopharmaceuticals to tumor cells expressing the antigen; inhibition of tumor cell growth and invasion.