Tetraspanin-7 (TSPAN7) (TSPAN7)

Tetraspanin-7 (TSPAN7), also known as T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia-associated antigen 1 (TALLA-1) or CD231, is a member of the tetraspanin family of transmembrane proteins (UniProt P41732). It was originally identified as a specific surface marker for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and is involved in regulating cell proliferation, signal transduction, and T-cell activation (PubMed 10448115). TSPAN7 is also highly expressed in the brain, where it plays a critical role in dendritic spine maturation and synaptic plasticity; mutations in the TSPAN7 gene are linked to X-linked intellectual disability (PubMed 10417331). In oncology, TSPAN7 serves as a diagnostic biomarker for T-ALL and has been explored as a potential target for monoclonal antibody-based therapies. However, its significant expression in the central nervous system presents a major therapeutic challenge, as targeting the protein could lead to severe neurotoxic side effects or cognitive impairment. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs targeting TSPAN7, though it remains a subject of research for both leukemia and neuropsychiatric conditions.

Other names

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia-associated antigen 1TALLA-1CD231Tetraspanin-7Transmembrane 4 superfamily member 2TM4SF2A15DXS602E

Currently, there are no approved drugs targeting this molecule. Experimental monoclonal antibodies are designed to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or apoptosis in T-ALL cells (PubMed 10448115).