Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 7 (SIGLEC7)

Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 7 (SIGLEC7) is an inhibitory receptor predominantly expressed on natural killer (NK) cells, as well as subsets of T cells and myeloid cells[1][3][4]. It belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and recognizes specific sialylated structures (notably α(2,8)-linked disialic acids) on cell surfaces, modulating immune cell interactions and dampening NK cell cytotoxicity[1][3]. This contributes to immune homeostasis but also facilitates tumor immune evasion in cancers overexpressing sialylated glycoconjugates[3][4]. Recent studies highlight SIGLEC7 as a promising immuno-oncology therapeutic target; blockade or activation through monoclonal antibodies has been shown to re-activate NK cell antitumor activity in preclinical cancer models, supporting further evaluation as a drug target[2][4]. Elevated SIGLEC7 expression has prognostic value in several cancers, making it also a potential biomarker for patient stratification[4].

Other names

Siglec-7AIRM1CD328p75/AIRM1QA79Adhesion inhibitory receptor molecule 1CDw328D-siglecQA79 membrane proteinp75AIRM-1SIGLEC-7SIGLEC19PSIGLECP2sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 7

Antibody-mediated activation or blockade of Siglec-7 enhances NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Disruption of Siglec-7’s interaction with sialylated ligands blocks inhibitory signaling, potentially boosting immune cell attack on malignant cells.