L1-CAM as a target for treatment of cancer with monoclonal antibodies.
L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1-CAM) is a neuronal adhesion molecule which is expressed in many tumor entities. L1-CAM was shown to be involved in proliferation, invasion and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. L1-CAM is engaged in homophilic interactions and complexes with many other ligands in a context-dependent manner. Activation and modulation of the extracellular signal-related kinase pathway by L1-CAM has been documented. In normal tissues, L1-CAM expression is restricted to nerve bundles and kidney tubules; however, L1-CAM is expressed in many tumor entities and, with the exception of neuroblastoma, L1-CAM expression correlates with poor prognosis. L1-CAM occurs in two isoforms, full-length L1-CAM and a variant in which exons 2 and 27 have been deleted. Preclinical experiments with available monoclonal antibodies are summarized and L1-CAM is analysed as a target for treatment of cancer with monoclonal antibodies.
Weidle
Ulrich H
UH
Roche Diagnsotics GmbH, Division Pharma, D 82372 Penzberg, Germany. ulrich.weidle@roche.com
Eggle
Daniela
D
Klostermann
Stefan
S
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D039842:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D039842:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1