Development Stage: 1 - Target Validation
A novel interaction of the oncofoetal antigen 5T4 and chemokine receptor CXCR4 has been identified which directly facilitates the biological response to the chemokine CXCL12. 5T4 is required for optimal functional cell surface expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 mediated chemotaxis and inhibition of CXCL12 chemotaxis by some anti-m5T4 mouse monoclonal antibodies has been shown in murine embryonic stem cells and embryo fibroblasts. In addition to 5T4 being expressed by many different cancers (with expression associated with poor clinical outcome in some), CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression have been associated with tumourigenesis in many cancers, with CXCR4 mediating the CXCL12-directed migration of cancer cells to metastatic sites. Inhibition of CXCL12-mediated chemotaxis through targeting the 5T4-CXCR4 complex offers an exciting therapeutic approach with potential applications in a number of cancer types that would exploit the tumour-specificity of 5T4. CRT has filed a patent application and is seeking a co-development partner or licensee for a therapeutic antibody or small molecule programme.
Dr Martyn Bottomley
+44 (0) 20 3469 6300 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)© Cancer Research Technology 2012