CD160 antigen, transmembrane isoform (CD160-TM)

CD160 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that exists in multiple isoforms, including a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored form and a transmembrane form (CD160-TM) (Giustiniani et al., 2022; Orlikowska et al., 2021). While the GPI-anchored isoform is constitutively expressed on resting natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells, the transmembrane isoform is neo-synthesized specifically upon NK cell activation (Giustiniani et al., 2009). CD160-TM acts as a potent activating receptor, triggering NK cell cytotoxicity and interferon-gamma production through the recruitment of the Erk1/2 signaling pathway via Src-family kinases like p56lck (Giustiniani et al., 2009; Patsnap, 2024). In oncology, CD160-TM has been identified as a novel tumor-associated antigen in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), where it is expressed by tumor cells but not by normal breast tissue (Marie-Cardine et al., 2024). It also plays a role in the pathogenesis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), where it is constitutively expressed on NK cells (Giustiniani et al., 2012). Therapeutic development focuses on monoclonal antibodies, such as 22B12, which can target CD160-TM to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against tumor cells (Marie-Cardine et al., 2024). Additionally, these antibodies may be used to modulate NK cell activity in various immune-related conditions or chronic infections (Patsnap, 2024). CD160-TM is distinct from the GPI-anchored form in its signaling capacity and restricted expression pattern, making it a highly specific target for immunotherapy.

Other names

BY55NK1NK28CD160 moleculeCluster of differentiation 160CD160-TM

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), Antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), NK cell activation