Melanoma cell adhesion molecule tumor-specific form (CD146-ts)

CD146-ts (Tumor-Specific CD146) is a cancer-restricted variant of the Melanoma Cell Adhesion Molecule (MCAM/CD146), a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. While wild-type CD146 is widely expressed on normal tissues, including vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, the CD146-ts form is specifically enriched or uniquely expressed on the surface of various solid tumor cells, such as those in melanoma and pancreatic cancer. This tumor-specific expression makes it a highly attractive therapeutic target, as it allows for the selective destruction of cancer cells while sparing the healthy vascular system, which is often a site of off-target toxicity for pan-CD146 inhibitors. CD146-ts plays a central role in tumorigenesis by promoting cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), all of which are critical for cancer progression and metastatic dissemination. Current therapeutic strategies under development include monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and CAR-T cell therapies designed to bind specifically to the CD146-ts epitope. These agents aim to deliver cytotoxic payloads or induce immune-mediated cell death directly to the tumor site, potentially addressing significant unmet needs in aggressive and refractory solid cancers.

Other names

Tumor-specific CD146MCAM-tsMUC18-tsTsCD146Tumor CD146Tumor-enriched CD146 isoform

Targeted delivery of cytotoxic payloads via immunoconjugates (ADCs) and induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation upon internalization; CAR-T cell-mediated direct cytotoxicity against tumor cells expressing the CD146-ts epitope.