CD276

CD276 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CD276 gene. This protein is also known by several other names, including B7-H3, a member of the B7 family of immune regulatory ligands. CD276 plays a significant role in the regulation of immune response, acting as a co-stimulatory molecule for T-cell activation and proliferation. Its expression has been found in various tissues, including those of the immune system, and is upregulated in several types of cancer, making it a target of interest for cancer immunotherapy.

Function

CD276 is involved in the immune system's adaptive arm, where it contributes to the fine-tuning of T-cell responses. It interacts with receptors on T-cells, potentially modulating the balance between T-cell activation and inhibition. This dual role suggests that CD276 might have context-dependent functions, either promoting or inhibiting immune responses. The exact receptor for CD276, however, has not been clearly identified, which complicates the understanding of its precise mechanisms of action.

Expression and Clinical Significance

The expression of CD276 is relatively low in normal tissues but is significantly upregulated in a variety of tumor types, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. This overexpression has been correlated with poor prognosis and increased tumor aggressiveness. Consequently, CD276 is being explored as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a potential target for immunotherapy. Therapeutic strategies targeting CD276 include the development of monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors aimed at enhancing the anti-tumor immune response.

Research and Therapeutic Approaches

Research into CD276 has focused on elucidating its role in tumor immunity and developing therapeutic strategies to modulate its activity. In preclinical models, targeting CD276 with monoclonal antibodies has shown promise in reducing tumor growth and enhancing the efficacy of other therapeutic agents. These findings have led to the initiation of clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CD276-targeted therapies in cancer patients.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the potential of CD276 as a therapeutic target, several challenges remain. The dual role of CD276 in immune regulation complicates the development of therapeutic strategies, as its inhibition might also suppress beneficial immune responses. Furthermore, the lack of a clearly identified receptor for CD276 on T-cells poses challenges for understanding its mechanism of action and developing more targeted therapies.

Future research will need to focus on better understanding the biology of CD276, including its interactions with other molecules in the immune system and its role in different types of cancer. Additionally, the development of more specific and effective therapeutic agents targeting CD276 will require innovative approaches and robust clinical trials to ensure their safety and efficacy in cancer patients.