L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) (L1CAM)

L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), also known as CD171, is a transmembrane glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily that plays a critical role in cell-cell adhesion and migration [1]. The tumor-associated isoform is specifically characterized by the alternative splicing-induced deletion of exon 2, and often exon 27, which distinguishes it from the full-length neuronal isoform [2]. In many human malignancies, including ovarian and endometrial cancers, this isoform is overexpressed and correlates with increased metastasis and poor clinical prognosis [3]. Biologically, L1CAM promotes tumor progression by enhancing cell motility and activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways [4]. As a therapeutic target, L1CAM is being investigated using monoclonal antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells designed to recognize its extracellular domains [5]. These therapies aim to disrupt the pro-migratory signals of L1CAM or directly eliminate L1CAM-positive tumor cells through immune-mediated mechanisms [6]. The specific targeting of the exon 2-deleted isoform is of particular interest to reduce potential side effects in the central nervous system where the full-length protein is physiologically active [7].

Other names

CD171Neural cell adhesion molecule L1CAML1Antigen identified by monoclonal antibody R1HSASMASAMIC5S10SPG1

Inhibition of L1CAM-mediated cell adhesion and intracellular signaling; induction of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC); CAR-T cell-mediated cytotoxicity.