Myelin protein zero-like 2 (MPZL2) (MPZL2)

Epithelial-V-like antigen 1 (EVA1), also known as Myelin protein zero-like 2 (MPZL2), is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein and a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily (UniProt O60487). It functions as a homophilic cell adhesion molecule, playing a vital role in the development of the thymus and the maintenance of epithelial tissue integrity (GeneCards). In various malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma, glioblastoma, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, EVA1 is significantly upregulated and acts as an oncogene by promoting cell proliferation, migration, and survival through the activation of the ErbB3-PI3K-AKT and non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathways (PubMed: 31997489, 26677976). Its expression is also linked to the maintenance of cancer stem cell properties, particularly in glioblastoma-initiating cells (Cancer Res. 2016). Therapeutically, EVA1 is being investigated as a target for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, showing promise in preclinical models (Neuro Oncol. 2025, BMJ 2025). However, potential on-target/off-tumor toxicities remain a concern due to its low-level expression in normal tissues such as monocytes and the gastrointestinal epithelium (Frontiers in Immunology).

Other names

Epithelial V-like antigen 1EVA1EVAMyelin protein zero-like protein 2DFNB111

Targeted cell killing via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) for antibody-drug conjugates; Targeted T-cell mediated cytotoxicity for CAR-T cell therapies.