Contactin-4 (CNTN4)

Contactin-4 is a neuronal glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell adhesion molecule, part of the immunoglobulin superfamily, characterized by six IgC2 domains and four fibronectin type III domains. It participates in synaptic assembly and axonal connectivity, mediates cell interactions in nervous tissue, and modulates neural elongation, often via interactions with amyloid precursor protein (APP) and protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type gamma (PTPRG). Mutations or abnormal expression of CNTN4 are linked to autism and neurodegenerative diseases, and recent data reveal that CNTN4, when expressed on tumor cells, suppresses antitumor T cell responses by engaging APP on lymphocytes; therefore, it is a candidate for targeted immunotherapy development.

Other names

CNTN4Contactin 4Contactin IV

Antibodies targeting CNTN4 block its interaction with amyloid precursor protein (APP) on T cells, promoting antitumor immunity by lifting immunosuppressive checkpoints