Unidentified epithelial ovarian cancer cell surface receptor

The unidentified epithelial ovarian cancer cell surface receptor refers to a high-abundance protein found on the surface of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells that serves as a primary docking site for certain therapeutic agents, most notably the Adenovirus serotype 3 (Ad3). While the molecular identity of this receptor remained elusive in early gene therapy research, it was characterized by its significantly higher expression on malignant ovarian cells compared to normal ovarian surface epithelium and its independence from the Coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR). This receptor facilitates the efficient internalization of Ad5/3 chimeric oncolytic viruses, which are engineered to bypass CAR-deficiency in tumor cells. Its role in disease is primarily as a marker of the transformed phenotype in EOC, providing a selective gateway for viral-mediated cell lysis and gene delivery. Although its exact protein structure has been a subject of ongoing investigation, it remains a critical target for enhancing the infectivity and therapeutic index of adenoviral vectors in ovarian cancer treatment.

Other names

Ad3 receptorAdenovirus serotype 3 receptorUnknown ovarian cancer cell surface antigenUnidentified epithelial ovarian cancer antigen