Neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM) (L1CAM)

Neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM), also known as CD171, is a 200-220 kDa transmembrane glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily that plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system [1, 13]. Its large extracellular domain, consisting of six Ig-like domains and five fibronectin type III repeats, facilitates cell-cell adhesion through homophilic and heterophilic interactions with partners like integrins, neuropilin-1, and other adhesion molecules [2, 14, 18]. While essential for neurite outgrowth and axon guidance, L1CAM is frequently overexpressed in aggressive human carcinomas, including ovarian, endometrial, and pancreatic cancers, where it serves as a driver of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and chemoresistance [3, 12, 15]. In the context of oncology, L1CAM is a significant therapeutic target, with monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T cell therapies specifically designed to bind its extracellular domain to inhibit pro-tumorigenic signaling and induce immune-mediated cell death [2, 5, 20]. However, therapeutic development must account for its physiological expression in the brain and kidneys to avoid potential off-tumor toxicities [2, 13].

Other names

CD171L1CAML1HSASMASAMIC5S10N-CAM-L1SPG1HSAS1

Inhibition of homophilic and heterophilic binding, induction of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), inhibition of PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, and targeted delivery of radioisotopes (radioimmunotherapy).