Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily H member 1 (OR2H1)

Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily H member 1 (OR2H1) is a G protein-coupled receptor involved in the detection and transduction of odorants, sharing the characteristic 7-transmembrane domain found in the GPCR superfamily[1][5]. It is primarily known for mediating olfactory signal transduction in the nasal epithelium by recognizing specific odorant molecules, such as methional[3]. Beyond the olfactory system, OR2H1 is notably expressed in human spermatozoa, where it may contribute to processes like chemotaxis or chemokinesis, and, uniquely among normal tissues assessed, in the testis[3]. Importantly, OR2H1 is aberrantly expressed at variable levels across many solid tumors (e.g., ovarian, lung, breast, cholangiocarcinoma), where it supports malignant cell growth and glucose metabolism[2][4]. Because of this restricted normal tissue distribution and frequent tumor overexpression, OR2H1 has emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic target for CAR T cell therapy against epithelial cancers, demonstrating high tumor specificity and cytolytic efficacy in preclinical studies[2][4]. Its clinical targeting is currently experimental, with main safety considerations being its testis expression and theoretical risks if expressed in the nasal mucosa.

Other names

6M1-16HS6M1-16OLFR42A-9004-14OLFR42A-9004.14/9026.2OR2H6OR2H8OR6-2dJ994E9.4Olfactory receptor 2H1Olfactory receptor 2H6Olfactory receptor 2H8Olfactory receptor 6-2Olfactory receptor OR6-32

CAR T cell cytotoxicity (OR2H1-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-based immunotherapy in cancer) Odorant-induced activation of G protein-mediated signal transduction