CD93 ligands (CD93L)

CD93 ligands, primarily Multimerin-2 (MMRN2) and Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), are extracellular proteins that interact with the CD93 receptor to regulate vascular and immune processes (Galvagni et al., 2017). CD93 is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed predominantly on endothelial cells and certain myeloid cells, such as macrophages and monocytes (UniProt Q9NPY3). The interaction between CD93 and MMRN2 is essential for endothelial cell adhesion, migration, and the organization of stable blood vessels, particularly within the tumor microenvironment (Orlandini et al., 2021). Additionally, IGFBP7 has been identified as a functional ligand that triggers CD93-mediated signaling to promote tumor angiogenesis and endothelial cell proliferation (Sun et al., 2021). Because these interactions are frequently upregulated in various malignancies to support neovascularization and immune evasion, they represent significant therapeutic targets in oncology. Therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies like OR2805, aim to block the CD93-ligand axis to inhibit pathological angiogenesis and reprogram the tumor microenvironment toward an anti-tumor state (OncoResponse, 2023).

Other names

Multimerin-2MMRN2Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7IGFBP7C1q receptor ligandsEndosialin ligands

Inhibition of the interaction between CD93 and its ligands (such as MMRN2 or IGFBP7) to disrupt tumor-associated angiogenesis, promote vascular normalization, and modulate the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.