Ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) (EFNB2)

Ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) is a transmembrane protein that serves as a high-affinity ligand for Eph receptor tyrosine kinases, most notably EphB4. Unlike traditional ligands, Ephrin-B2 facilitates bidirectional signaling, where "forward" signaling occurs in the receptor-bearing cell and "reverse" signaling occurs in the ligand-bearing cell, regulating critical processes such as angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, and axon guidance (UniProt P52799). In oncology, Ephrin-B2 is frequently upregulated and promotes tumor growth by stimulating neoangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis (PubMed: 29118251). It also serves as the primary entry receptor for highly pathogenic Henipaviruses, including Nipah and Hendra viruses (PubMed: 15994552). Therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway include decoy receptors like sEphB4-HSA and monoclonal antibodies designed to disrupt the Ephrin-B2/EphB4 interaction, thereby inhibiting tumor vascularization and progression (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01642342). Beyond cancer, Ephrin-B2 signaling is involved in cardiovascular homeostasis and bone remodeling, making it a complex but promising therapeutic target (PubMed: 21933937).

Other names

EFNB2EPLG5HTK-LLERK5Eph-related receptor tyrosine kinase ligand 5

Decoy receptor binding to neutralize ligand-receptor interaction; inhibition of bidirectional signaling; blockade of EphB4-mediated forward signaling and Ephrin-B2-mediated reverse signaling.