Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 7 (CD27) (CD27)

CD27 (Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 7) is a key co-stimulatory molecule constitutively expressed on the surface of naive T cells and most memory B cells [UniProt P26842]. Upon binding to its specific ligand, CD70, CD27 triggers signaling pathways that promote T-cell proliferation, survival, and the generation of effector and memory T cells [Hendriks et al., 2000, Nature Immunology]. This interaction is vital for the enhancement of the adaptive immune response against pathogens and malignant cells [Borst et al., 2005, Current Opinion in Immunology]. In oncology, CD27 is a significant therapeutic target; agonistic antibodies like varlilumab are designed to mimic the CD70-CD27 interaction to boost anti-tumor T-cell activity [Ansell et al., 2016, Journal of Clinical Oncology]. Furthermore, the proteolytic cleavage of membrane-bound CD27 results in a soluble form (sCD27), which serves as a clinical biomarker for immune activation in various cancers and infectious diseases [Huang et al., 2013, Journal of Hematology & Oncology]. Targeting CD27 offers a promising approach to immunotherapy, either as a monotherapy or in combination with other checkpoint inhibitors to overcome tumor-induced immunosuppression [Buchan et al., 2018, Blood].

Other names

TNFRSF7CD27L receptorS152T14T-cell activation antigen CD27

Agonistic monoclonal antibodies bind to the CD27 receptor, mimicking the natural ligand CD70 to activate the NF-kappaB and JNK signaling pathways, which enhances T-cell proliferation, survival, and effector function [Ansell et al., 2016; Buchan et al., 2018].