CD70 molecule (CD70) (CD70)

CD70 (Cluster of Differentiation 70) is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein and a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand superfamily (UniProt P32970). It functions as the sole ligand for the CD27 receptor, forming a costimulatory pathway essential for the expansion and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes (NCBI Gene 970). While its expression is highly restricted to activated immune cells in healthy individuals, CD70 is constitutively overexpressed in various malignancies, including renal cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, and several hematologic cancers (PubMed: 28810913). This differential expression makes it a compelling target for immunotherapy, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies. Therapeutic strategies targeting CD70 aim to induce direct tumor cell lysis via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or the delivery of cytotoxic agents, while potentially disrupting the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (PubMed: 33430934). Furthermore, the CD70-CD27 interaction can promote tumor growth and immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment, making its blockade a dual-action strategy. Clinical trials are currently evaluating several CD70-targeted agents across multiple oncology indications.

Other names

CD27 ligandCD27LCD27LGTumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 7TNFSF7CD70 antigen

Therapeutic agents targeting CD70 utilize several mechanisms: monoclonal antibodies induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP); antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) deliver potent cytotoxic payloads directly to CD70-expressing cells; and CAR-T cells provide direct, antigen-specific T-cell mediated lysis (PubMed: 33430934).