Tight junction and adhesion proteins

Tight junction and adhesion proteins are a diverse group of transmembrane and cytoplasmic proteins that mediate cell-cell contact and maintain the structural integrity of epithelial and endothelial barriers (Source: StatPearls, NBK541079). Tight junctions, composed of proteins like claudins, occludins, and zonula occludens, regulate the paracellular pathway, controlling the flow of ions and solutes while preventing the entry of pathogens (Source: PMID: 28215312). Adhesion proteins, such as cadherins and integrins, provide mechanical strength and facilitate intracellular signaling pathways that govern cell growth, differentiation, and migration (Source: UniProt). In many diseases, particularly cancer and inflammatory conditions, these proteins are dysregulated, leading to leaky barriers or facilitating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and subsequent metastasis (Source: PMID: 33431110). Therapeutic strategies targeting these proteins include monoclonal antibodies that induce cell death in claudin-expressing tumors or small molecules that modulate barrier permeability for enhanced drug delivery (Source: DrugBank). However, because these proteins are widely expressed in healthy tissues, therapeutic targeting requires high specificity to avoid systemic barrier disruption and associated toxicities (Source: PMID: 30635924).

Other names

Cell-cell junction proteinsIntercellular adhesion moleculesJunctional complex proteinsBarrier proteins

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), inhibition of leukocyte trafficking, modulation of paracellular permeability, and competitive antagonism of cell-surface adhesion receptors.