Ephrin type-B receptor 2 (EPHB2)

Ephrin type-B receptor 2 (EPHB2) is a member of the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases, the largest subgroup of RTKs, and primarily binds ephrin-B class ligands present on adjacent cells, mediating contact-dependent, bidirectional (forward and reverse) signaling. EPHB2 is crucial for axon guidance, cell migration, and tissue boundary formation during development and also regulates dendritic spine maturation, angiogenesis, organ morphogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. In cancer, EPHB2 displays context-dependent roles, acting as a tumor suppressor in some cancers (e.g., bladder, pancreas) and as a tumor promoter in others (e.g., glioma, medulloblastoma), linked to modulation of cell adhesion, migration, and invasion pathways. EPHB2 is implicated in developmental disorders, neurodegenerative disease (by regulating NMDA receptor and synaptic function), and rare bleeding disorders. While no drugs directly targeting EPHB2 are approved, it remains a subject of active research for targeted therapies, especially in oncology and neurology.

Other names

EphB2DRTEPHT3EPTH3ERKHEK5TYRO5EK5hEK5Hek5Tyro5Developmentally-regulated Eph-related tyrosine kinaseELK-related tyrosine kinaseEPH tyrosine kinase 3EPH-like kinase 5Renal carcinoma antigen NY-REN-47Tyrosine-protein kinase TYRO5Tyrosine-protein kinase receptor EPH-3BDPLT22CAPBPCBC

Inhibitors and antagonists block ligand (ephrin-B) binding and downstream phosphorylation/signaling. Agonists mimic ephrin-B binding to activate receptor signaling. Monoclonal antibodies or peptides could potentially disrupt receptor-ligand clustering.