Neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM-1) (NCAM1)

Neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM-1), widely known as CD56, is a homophilic binding glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily that mediates cell-cell adhesion and signaling (UniProt P13591). In the context of immunotherapy, NCAM-1 is a defining marker for Cytokine-Induced Killer (CIK) cells, a heterogeneous population of cytotoxic lymphocytes (primarily CD3+CD56+) generated ex vivo to exhibit potent, non-MHC-restricted antitumor activity (PMID: 21833314). The interaction between NCAM-1 and other adhesion receptors on CIK cells with their corresponding ligands on tumor cells is critical for the formation of the immunological synapse, which allows for the targeted delivery of lytic granules containing perforin and granzymes (PMID: 26433536). While NCAM-1 serves as a primary target for antibody-drug conjugates like Lorvotuzumab mertansine in malignancies such as small cell lung cancer and multiple myeloma, its physiological expression in neural tissues poses significant challenges for therapeutic window and safety (PMID: 24651523). The target description provided in the prompt is considered 'incorrect' as it describes a complex multi-receptor biological interaction and cell-cell interface rather than a single discrete molecular entity.

Other names

CD56NCAMMSK39Leu-19NKH-1Antigen identified by monoclonal antibody 5.1H11

CIK cells utilize NCAM-1 (CD56) and other adhesion molecules (such as LFA-1) to form a stable immunological synapse with target cells, facilitating the non-MHC-restricted release of perforin and granzymes to induce target cell lysis (PMID: 26433536, 30631114).