Epithelial junctional proteins and immune cell surface proteins

The term Epithelial junctional proteins and immune cell surface proteins refers to a broad classification of proteins essential for maintaining tissue architecture and regulating immune system interactions. Epithelial junctional proteins, such as claudins, occludins, and nectins, are primary components of tight and adherens junctions that control paracellular transport and maintain the physical barrier between internal and external environments (Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2023; 19(12): 3804-3815; NIH/PMC 2012). Immune cell surface proteins include a diverse array of receptors, such as cluster of differentiation (CD) markers and checkpoint molecules like PD-L1, which are critical for leukocyte activation, signaling, and migration (Ameripharmaspecialty.com; NIH/PMC PRD:PRM Interactions). In diseases such as cancer and chronic inflammation, these proteins are frequently dysregulated; for instance, certain junctional proteins like Claudin-18.2 or Nectin-4 are overexpressed in tumors, making them viable targets for monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (MDPI 2023). Conversely, immune cell surface proteins are targeted by checkpoint inhibitors to overcome immune evasion by tumor cells. The functional interplay between these two groups is vital for processes like leukocyte transmigration across the epithelium and trogocytosis, where cells exchange membrane fragments to modulate immune recognition (PLOS ONE 2023). Consequently, this category encompasses several high-value therapeutic targets currently utilized in oncology and immunology.

Other names

Cell Adhesion MoleculesCAMsJunctional proteinsImmune surface markersBarrier proteinsTight junction proteins

Therapeutic agents target these proteins to disrupt epithelial barriers in tumors, deliver cytotoxic payloads via antibody-drug conjugates, or modulate immune cell recruitment and checkpoint signaling to restore anti-tumor immunity.