Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (for CEACAM-5); Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (for CEACAM-6) (CEACAM5; CEACAM6)

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) are glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface glycoproteins within the immunoglobulin superfamily. They are normally involved in cell adhesion, regulation of differentiation, and immune modulation. Both are highly expressed in various carcinomas, where they promote tumor cell adhesion, migration, invasion, resistance to anoikis, and metastasis. CEACAM5 (also known as carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA) is a well-established diagnostic marker for several cancers, especially colorectal. CEACAM6 is emerging as a marker and potential therapeutic target in aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers; its overexpression confers resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapeutic agents. Therapeutic strategies targeting these proteins include monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and siRNA. Both molecules present opportunities and challenges for precision oncology.

Other names

CEACD66eCarcinoembryonic antigenCD66cNCA (non-specific cross-reacting antigen)

Antibody binding can promote apoptosis or sensitize tumors to chemotherapy by overcoming anoikis resistance. Blockade can impair tumor cell adhesion, invasion, and metastasis. ADCs may deliver cytotoxic drugs selectively to CEACAM6-expressing tumor cells.