Tumor Cell Membrane Glycoproteins

Tumor cell membrane glycoproteins are proteins located on the surface of tumor cells that have covalently attached carbohydrate (glycan) chains. These glycoproteins play critical roles in cell–cell interactions, signaling, immune recognition, and can serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in cancer. Altered glycosylation can affect cell adhesion, migration, signal transduction, immune evasion, and drug resistance. They are attractive for diagnostic biomarker discovery and therapeutic targeting using monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, peptides, or ligand-based approaches.

Monoclonal antibodies targeting these proteins can modulate drug transport and inhibit resistant cell growth. Small molecules, peptides, or ligand-based approaches can also be used for therapeutic targeting.