Serum nectin-2 and nectin-4 are diagnostic in lung cancer: which is superior?

Oncolytic virotherapy against lung cancer: key receptors and signaling pathways of viral entry

Lung cancer accounts for the highest cancer-related mortality worldwide. While immunotherapies targeting anti-tumor immune responses have demonstrated efficacy in clinical practice, the demand for novel treatment modalities remains urgent. Oncolytic viruses (OVs), which selectively kill tumor cells while stimulating an anti-tumor immune response, represent a potential breakthrough in lung cancer therapy. The induction of anti-tumor immunity by OVs is central to their overall therapeutic effectiveness. Many natural receptors on the surface of cancer cells are dysregulated, providing potential entry points for OVs. Furthermore, the inherent dysregulation of some key signaling pathways in lung cancer cells promotes proliferation, progression and metastasis, which may facilitate selective viral replication. In this review, we explore the application of OVs in lung cancer by analyzing several major OVs and their corresponding entry receptors. Then, we also examine the key signaling pathways and molecules with the potential to synergize with OVs in modulating the immune tumor microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the combination and administration strategies that warrant further clinical trials for validation. Despite certain limitations, the tolerability of OVs positions virotherapy as a promising avenue in the future of lung cancer treatment.

Development and validation of bioanalytical assays for the quantification of 9MW2821, a nectin-4-targeting antibody-drug conjugate

We designed and developed 9MW2821, an anti-Nectin-4 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with an enzymatically cleavable valine-citrulline linker and monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) as the payload. Four bioanalytical assays for total antibodies, conjugated antibodies, conjugated payload, and free payload were then developed and validated for the comprehensive evaluation of the multiple drug forms of 9MW2821. Specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify total antibodies and conjugated antibody, showing good drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) tolerance. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine free MMAE, and conjugated MMAE was quantified using a combination of ligand-binding assay (LBA) and LC-MS/MS. Based on these four assays, we studied the serum stability and monkey pharmacokinetic profiles of 9MW2821, and the in vivo DAR of 9MW2821 was calculated and dynamically monitored. In conclusion, we developed and validated series of bioanalytical assays to quantify multiple forms of 9MW2821, a new ADC, and used the assays to evaluate the serum stability and monkey pharmacokinetic characteristics. The results indicate good linker stability and suggest that the developed assays can be further used in clinical settings.

Nectin-4: A promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target in cancer

Nectin cell adhesion protein 4 (Nectin-4), a calcium-independent immunoglobulin-like protein, has garnered significant attention in oncology due to its pronounced overexpression in malignant tumors and absence in healthy adult tissues. Elevated levels of Nectin-4 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, including lung, breast, and urothelial carcinomas. Notably, Nectin-4 has emerged as a promising serological marker for these malignancies, facilitating early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. The clinical relevance of Nectin-4 is underscored by the Food and Drug Administration's approval of enfortumab vedotin (EV), the first antibody-drug conjugate targeting this protein, for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma. Ongoing clinical trials are expanding the therapeutic applications of EV, highlighting the critical role of Nectin-4 in targeted cancer therapy. Furthermore, novel therapeutic agents targeting Nectin-4 are under investigation, offering potential new avenues for cancer treatment. Despite these advancements, the precise molecular mechanisms by which Nectin-4 influences carcinogenesis and tumor progression remain inadequately understood. Challenges such as therapy-related adverse effects and the development of drug resistance further complicate the clinical management of Nectin-4-associated cancers. This review investigates the molecular functions of Nectin-4, emphasizing its diagnostic and prognostic value in cancer. We also explore the landscape of novel drug discoveries targeting Nectin-4 and provide an overview of current clinical trials aimed at utilizing this marker for therapeutic interventions. By elucidating the multifaceted role of Nectin-4 in malignancies, this article aims to advance our understanding and improve the clinical outcomes for patients with Nectin-4 overexpressing tumors.

Prognostic impact of nectin-like molecule-5 (CD155) expression in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

CD155 is a transmembrane protein that inhibits antitumor immune response and represents a predictor of worse prognosis in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, it remains unexplored its association with clinical characteristics and genomic status of Latin American patients. This study characterizes the CD155 expression and its clinical implications in this population.

METHODS

Tissue biopsies from 86 patients with locally-advanced or metastatic NSCLC were assessed for CD155 protein expression, ALK rearrangements and EGFR mutations. Cutoff values for high CD155 expression (CD155high) were determined from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves according to 2-year survival. It was evaluated its association with clinicopathological features, median progression-free survival (mPFS) and overall survival (mOS).

RESULTS

the cutoff score for CD155high was 155 in the entire cohort and in patients without oncogenic alterations, and it was 110 in patients with oncogenic alterations. Eighty-four patients (97.7%) were CD155 positive, of which fifty-six (65.0%) had CD155high. EGFR L858R mutation related to lower CD155 IHC score than exon 19 deletion. Individuals with CD155high showed a shorter mOS (13.0 vs. 30.8 months; HR: 1.96 [95% CI, 1.15-3.35]; p = 0.014). Patients without oncogenic alterations having a CD155high displayed shorter mPFS (1.6 vs. 6.4 months, HR: 2.09 [95% CI, 1.06-4.20]; p = 0.034) and mOS (2.9 vs. 23.1 months; HR: 1.27 [95% CI, 1.07- 4.42]; p = 0.032). Patients with oncogenic alterations having CD155high only showed a trend to shorter mOS (26.3 vs. 52.0 months; HR: 2.39 [95% CI, 0.98-5.83]; p = 0.058).

CONCLUSION

CD155high is a predictor of worse outcomes in patients with advanced NSCLC, predominantly among those without oncogenic alterations. CD155 could be a potential biomarker and a molecular target in patients with poor responses to current therapies.

NECTIN2 is a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in lung adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

NECTINs are transmembrane proteins mediating cell-to-cell adhesion. NECTINs interact with integrins or other membrane receptors to trigger multiple cellular functions. Aberrant NECTIN expression is associated with cancer progression and poor outcomes. While NECTIN2 is overexpressed in various cancer types, its role in lung cancer is not well understood.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We investigated the function of NECTIN2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and clinical samples of 105 LUAD patients who had undergone surgical resection. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were investigated using human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines.

RESULTS

We found that high NECTIN2 expression correlated with reduced overall survival in LUAD in TCGA database. In clinical samples, high NECTIN2 expression was associated with lower recurrence-free survival in all patients (P < 0.001) and in stage I patients (P = 0.001). Functional analyses demonstrated that NECTIN2 knockout promoted cell apoptosis and diminished cell proliferation and migration capacity. NECTIN2 overexpression did not significantly affect cellular functions.

DISCUSSION

Our results suggest that NECTIN2 plays a significant role in cell apoptosis and cancer cell migration, leading to increased postoperative recurrence. Furthermore, NECTIN2 serves as a prognostic indicator and a potential therapeutic target in LUAD.

CONCLUSIONS

High NECTIN2 expression in LUAD was found to be associated with postoperative recurrence, and was observed to play an important role in cell apoptosis and migration.

Therapeutic prospects of nectin-4 in cancer: applications and value

Nectin-4 is a Ca2+-independent immunoglobulin-like protein that exhibits significantly elevated expression in malignant tumors while maintaining extremely low levels in healthy adult tissues. In recent years, overexpression of Nectin-4 has been implicated in tumor occurrence and development of various cancers, including breast cancer, urothelial cancer, and lung cancer. In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration approved enfortumab vedotin, the first antibody-drug conjugate targeting Nectin-4, for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma. This has emphasized the value of Nectin-4 in tumor targeted therapy and promoted the implementation of more clinical trials of enfortumab vedotin. In addition, many new drugs targeting Nectin-4 for the treatment of malignant tumors have entered clinical trials, with the aim of exploring potential new indications. However, the exact mechanisms by which Nectin-4 affects tumorigenesis and progression are still unclear, and the emergence of drug resistance and treatment-related adverse reactions poses challenges. This article reviews the diagnostic potential, prognostic significance, and molecular role of Nectin-4 in tumors, with a focus on clinical trials in the field of Nectin-4-related tumor treatment and the development of new drugs targeting Nectin-4.

Prognostic Potential of Nectin Expressions in Colorectal Cancer: An Exploratory Study

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a pressing global health challenge, with an estimated 1.9 million new cases in 2020. Ranking as the third most diagnosed cancer globally, CRC accounts for nearly 930,000 cancer-related deaths annually. Nectins, immunoglobulin-like adhesion molecules, are pivotal in intercellular adhesion formation and cellular function regulation. Altered nectin expression patterns have been identified in various cancers. However, the intricacies of their role in cancer development and progression remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of specific nectins in CRC tumors, explore their association with clinicopathological factors, and ascertain their potential as prognostic indicators for CRC patients post-resection. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 92 CRC patients who underwent surgical treatment between 2013 and 2014. Tumor specimens were re-evaluated to determine nectin expression using immunohistochemistry. The study identified heterogeneous expressions of nectin-2, -3, and -4 in 58%, 62.6%, and 87.9% of specimens, respectively. Elevated nectin-4 expression correlated with worse 5-year and overall survival rates, presenting a negative prognostic value (HR = 4, 95% CI: 2.4-6.8, p < 0.001). Conversely, reduced nectin-3 expression was linked to poorer CRC prognosis (HR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.31-0.96; p = 0.036). Nectin-4 expression positively correlated with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and advanced disease stages. In contrast, nectin-3 expression negatively correlated with CEA levels, tumor size, presence of distant metastases, and disease stage. Notably, tumors in the right colon were statistically more likely to express nectin-2 compared to those in the left. This study underscores the potential prognostic significance of nectins in CRC. The high prevalence of nectin-4-expressing cells offers promising avenues for further evaluation in targeted therapeutic interventions with already available agents such as PADCEV.

Clinical Significance of Nectins in HCC and Other Solid Malignant Tumors: Implications for Prognosis and New Treatment Opportunities-A Systematic Review

The nectin family comprises four proteins, nectin-1 to -4, which act as cell adhesion molecules. Nectins have various regulatory functions in the immune system and can be upregulated or decreased in different tumors. The literature research was conducted manually by the authors using the PubMed database by searching articles published before 2023 with the combination of several nectin-related keywords. A total of 43 studies were included in the main section of the review. Nectins-1-3 have different expressions in tumors. Both the loss of expression and overexpression could be negative prognostic factors. Nectin-4 is the best characterized and the most consistently overexpressed in various tumors, which generally correlates with a worse prognosis. New treatments based on targeting nectin-4 are currently being developed. Enfortumab vedotin is a potent antibody-drug conjugate approved for use in therapy against urothelial carcinoma. Few reports focus on hepatocellular carcinoma, which leaves room for further studies comparing the utility of nectins with commonly used markers.

Therapeutic Targets of Monoclonal Antibodies Used in the Treatment of Cancer: Current and Emerging

Cancer is one of the leading global causes of death and disease, and treatment options are constantly evolving. In this sense, the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in immunotherapy has been considered a fundamental aspect of modern cancer therapy. In order to avoid collateral damage, it is indispensable to identify specific molecular targets or biomarkers of therapy and/or diagnosis (theragnostic) when designing an appropriate immunotherapeutic regimen for any type of cancer. Furthermore, it is important to understand the currently employed mAbs in immunotherapy and their mechanisms of action in combating cancer. To achieve this, a comprehensive understanding of the biology of cancer cell antigens, domains, and functions is necessary, including both those presently utilized and those emerging as potential targets for the design of new mAbs in cancer treatment. This review aims to provide a description of the therapeutic targets utilized in cancer immunotherapy over the past 5 years, as well as emerging targets that hold promise as potential therapeutic options in the application of mAbs for immunotherapy. Additionally, the review explores the mechanisms of actin of the currently employed mAbs in immunotherapy.

Serum immune mediators as novel predictors of response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients with high tissue-PD-L1 expression

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) including anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies, have significantly changed the treatment outcomes with better overall survival, but only 15-40% of the patients respond to ICIs therapy. The search for predictive biomarkers of responses is warranted for better clinical outcomes. We aim here to identify pre-treatment soluble immune molecules as surrogate biomarkers for tissue PD-L1 (TPD-L1) status and as predictors of response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in NSCLC patients. Sera from 31 metastatic NSCLC patients, eligible for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or combined chemoimmunotherapy, were collected prior to treatment. Analysis of soluble biomarkers with TPD-L1 status showed significant up/down regulation of the immune inhibitory checkpoint markers (sSiglec7, sSiglec9, sULBP4 and sPD-L2) in patients with higher TPD-L1 (TPD-L1 >50%) expression. Moreover, correlation analysis showed significant positive linear correlation of soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) with higher TPD-L1 expression. Interestingly, only responders in the TPD-L1 >50% group showed significant down regulation of the immune inhibitory markers (sPD-L2, sTIMD4, sNectin2 and CEA). When responders vs. non-responders were compared, significant down regulation of other immune inhibitory biomarkers (sCD80, sTIMD4 and CEA) was recorded only in responding patients. In this, the optimal cut-off values of CD80 <91.7 pg/ml and CEA <1614 pg/ml were found to be significantly associated with better progression free survival (PFS). Indeed, multivariate analysis identified the cutoff-value of CEA <1614 pg/ml as an independent predictor of response in our patients. We identified here novel immune inhibitory/stimulatory soluble mediators as potential surrogate/predictive biomarkers for TPD-L1 status, treatment response and PFS in NSCLC patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Roles of Urine Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 in Human Bladder Cancer

The clinical utility of urine nectins in bladder cancer (BCa) is unclear. We investigated the potential diagnostic and prognostic values of urine Nectin-2 and Nectin-4. Levels of urine Nectin-2, Nectin-4, and NMP-22 were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 122 patients with BCa, consisting of 78 with non-muscle-invasive BCa (NMIBC) and 44 with muscle-invasive BCa (MIBC), and ten healthy controls. Tumor nectin expression in MIBC was evaluated with immunohistochemical staining of transurethral resection specimens. The level of urine Nectin-4 (mean: 18.3 ng/mL) was much higher than that of urine Nectin-2 (mean: 0.40 ng/mL). The sensitivities of Nectin-2, Nectin-4, NMP-22, and cytology assays were 84%, 98%, 52%, and 47%, respectively; their specificities were 40%, 80%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Both urine Nectin-2 and Nectin-4, though not NMP-22, were found to be significantly more sensitive than cytology. A four-titer grouping based on levels of urine Nectin-2/Nectin-4 (low/high, high/high, low/low, and high/low) showed a high capability for discriminating between NMIBC and MIBC. Neither urine Nectin-2 nor Nectin-4 levels had a significant prognostic value in NMIBC or MIBC. Urine levels correlated with tumor expression and serum levels in the Nectin-4 analysis, but not in the Nectin-2 analysis. Urine nectins are potential diagnostic biomarkers for BCa.

Nectin2 influences cell apoptosis by regulating ANXA2 expression in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric cancer of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system and represents the most frequent solid malignancy in infants. Nectin2 belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and has been shown to play a role in tumorigenesis. In the current study, we demonstrate that serum Nectin2 level is increased in NB patients compared with that in healthy controls and Nectin2 level is correlated with neuroblastoma international neuroblastoma staging system (INSS) classification. There is a positive correlation between Nectin2 level and shorter overall survival in NB patients. Knockdown of Nectin2 reduces the migration of SH-SY5Y and SK-N-BE2 cells and induces their apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. RNA-seq analysis demonstrates that Nectin2 knockdown affects the expressions of 258 genes, including 240 that are upregulated and 18 that are downregulated compared with negative controls. qRT-PCR and western blot analysis confirm that ANXA2 expression is decreased in Nectin2-knockdown SH-SY5Y cells, consistent with the RNA-seq results. ANXA2 overexpression rescues the percentage of apoptotic NB cells induced by Nectin2 knockdown and compensates for the impact of Nectin2 knockdown on cleaved caspase3 and bax expressions. In addition, western blot analysis results show that ANXA2 overexpression rescues the effect of Nectin2 knockdown on MMP2 and MMP9 expressions. The current data highlight the importance of Nectin2 in NB progression and the potential of Nectin2 as a novel candidate target for gene therapy.

The Prognostic Significance of Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 expression in glial tumors

Glial tumors are the most frequent neoplasms of the central nervous system in adults and despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of the disease, the prognosis of glioma is poor. Therefore, there is a great need to identify new prognostic factors and potential immunotherapeutic targets. Members of the Nectin family of proteins are gaining significant attention as possible diagnostic and immunotherapeutic targets in many solid tumors, but they have not been extensively investigated in glial tumors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 in glial tumors of different grades, and to assess their prognostic value. The results showed heterogeneous expression of Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 in tumor cells and neuropil, with significantly higher Nectin-2 expression compared to Nectin-4, but without differences among tumor grades. In addition, the expression of Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 was associated with shorter survival times in patients with grade II/III gliomas. These results suggest that Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 expression may be used as an independent prognostic indicator for patients with II/III gliomas. This study contributes to the development of personalized care for patients with glioma and provides a basis for further research on nectin-based immunotherapy for brain tumors.

Nectins and Nectin-like Molecules in Colorectal Cancer: Role in Diagnostics, Prognostic Values, and Emerging Treatment Options: A Literature Review

In 2020, colorectal cancer was the third most common type of cancer worldwide with a clearly visible increase in the number of cases each year. With relatively high mortality rates and an uncertain prognosis, colorectal cancer is a serious health problem. There is an urgent need to investigate its specific mechanism of carcinogenesis and progression in order to develop new strategies of action against this cancer. Nectins and Nectin-like molecules are cell adhesion molecules that take part in a plethora of essential processes in healthy tissues as well as mediating substantial actions for tumor initiation and evolution. Our understanding of their role and a viable application of this in anti-cancer therapy has rapidly improved in recent years. This review summarizes the current data on the role nectins and Nectin-like molecules play in colorectal cancer.

Development of Nectin4/FAP-targeted CAR-T cells secreting IL-7, CCL19, and IL-12 for malignant solid tumors

Background

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has made significant advances for hematological malignancies but encounters obstacles in the treatment of solid tumors mainly due to tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to examine the cellular expression of nectin cell adhesion molecule-4 (Nectin4) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in a variety of malignant solid tumors. Then, we engineered the fourth-generation Nectin4-targeted CAR-T (Nectin4-7.19 CAR-T) and FAP-targeted CAR-T (FAP-12 CAR-T) cells to evaluate their safety and efficacy in vitro and in vivo.

Results

In our study, we firstly demonstrated the aberrant overexpression of Nectin4 on both primary and metastatic solid tumors and FAP on cancer-associated fibroblasts. Then, we found that our fourth-generation Nectin4-7.19 CAR-T cells expressed IL-7 and CCL19 efficiently and exhibited superior proliferation, migration, and cytotoxicity compared to the second-generation Nectin4 CAR-T cells, while FAP-12 CAR-T cells exerted their ability of targeting both murine and human FAP effectively in vitro. In a fully immune-competent mouse model of metastatic colorectal cancer, lymphodepletion pretreated mice achieved complete remission with human Nectin4-targeted murine CAR-T (Nectin4 mCAR-T) cells. In the NSG mouse model of lung metastases, Nectin4-7.19 CAR-T cells eradicated metastatic tumors and prolonged survival in combination with FAP-12 CAR-T cells.

Conclusions

These findings showed that Nectin4-7.19 CAR-T cells had potential therapeutic efficacy and exerted a synergistic role with FAP-12 CAR-T cells, further demonstrating that Nectin4 and FAP were able to serve as promising targets for safe and effective CAR-T therapy of malignant solid tumors.

Nectin-4: a Novel Therapeutic Target for Skin Cancers

OPINION STATEMENT

Nectin-4 is a tumor-associated antigen that is highly expressed on various cancer cells, and it has been further proposed to have roles in tumor development and propagation ranging from cellular proliferation to motility and invasion. Nectin-4 blockade reduces tumor proliferation and induces apoptosis in several malignancies. Nectin-4 has been used as a potential target in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) development. Enfortumab vedotin, an ADC against Nectin-4, has demonstrated efficacy against solid tumor malignancies. Enfortumab vedotin has received US Food and Drug Administration approval for treating urothelial cancer. Furthermore, the efficacy of ADCs against Nectin-4 against solid tumors other than urothelial cancer has been demonstrated in preclinical studies, and clinical trials examining the effects of enfortumab vedotin are ongoing. Recently, Nectin-4 was reported to be highly expressed in several skin cancers, including malignant melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and extramammary Paget's disease, and involved in tumor progression and survival in retrospective studies. Nectin-4-targeted therapies and ADCs against Nectin-4 could therefore be novel therapeutic options for skin cancers. This review highlights current knowledge on Nectin-4 in malignant tumors, the efficacy of enfortumab vedotin in clinical trials, and the prospects of Nectin-4-targeted agents against skin cancers.

Prognostic tools and candidate drugs based on plasma proteomics of patients with severe COVID-19 complications

COVID-19 complications still present a huge burden on healthcare systems and warrant predictive risk models to triage patients and inform early intervention. Here, we profile 893 plasma proteins from 50 severe and 50 mild-moderate COVID-19 patients, and 50 healthy controls, and show that 375 proteins are differentially expressed in the plasma of severe COVID-19 patients. These differentially expressed plasma proteins are implicated in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and present targets for candidate drugs to prevent or treat severe complications. Based on the plasma proteomics and clinical lab tests, we also report a 12-plasma protein signature and a model of seven routine clinical tests that validate in an independent cohort as early risk predictors of COVID-19 severity and patient survival. The risk predictors and candidate drugs described in our study can be used and developed for personalized management of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.

Prognostic markers for patients with COVID-19 are of critical importance in determining the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and patient handling. Here the authors determine and apply a prognostic proteomic panel for risk and drug prediction in the management of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.

Nectin cell adhesion molecule-4 (NECTIN-4): A potential target for cancer therapy

NECTIN-4 [a poliovirus receptor-related-4 (pvrl-4) encoded protein] is a Ca2+ independent immunoglobulin-like protein. Along with other Nectins (Nectin-1, -2 and -3), it is primarily involved in cell-cell adhesion. In contrast to other Nectins, Nectin-4 is specifically enriched in the embryonic and placental tissues but its expression significantly declines in adult life. In recent years, it has been found that Nectin-4 is especially overexpressed and served as a tumor associated inducer in various malignant tumors including breast, lung, colorectal, pancreatic, ovarian cancers etc. Over-expression of Nectin-4 is associated with various aspects of tumor progression like proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, metastasis, DNA repair, tumor relapse, poor prognosis in several types of cancer. This review systematically highlights the implications of Nectin-4 in every possible aspect of cancer and the molecular mechanism of Nectin-4 mediated cancer progression. We have further emphasized on the therapeutic strategies that are being proposed to specifically target Nectin-4.

Role of Nectin‑4 protein in cancer (Review)

The Nectin cell adhesion molecule (Nectin) family members are Ca2+‑independent immunoglobulin‑like cellular adhesion molecules (including Nectins 1‑4), involved in cell adhesion via homophilic/heterophilic interplay. In addition, the Nectin family plays a significant role in enhancing cellular viability and movement ability. In contrast to enrichment of Nectins 1‑3 in normal tissues, Nectin‑4 is particularly overexpressed in a number of tumor types, including breast, lung, urothelial, colorectal, pancreatic and ovarian cancer. Moreover, the upregulation of Nectin‑4 is an independent biomarker for overall survival in numerous cancer types. A large number of studies have revealed that high expression of Nectin‑4 is closely related to tumor occurrence and development in various cancer types, but the manner in which Nectin‑4 protein contributes to the onset and development of these malignancies is yet unknown. The present review summarizes the molecular mechanisms and functions of Nectin‑4 protein in the biological processes and current advances with regard to its expression and regulation in various cancer types.

The CD112R/CD112 axis: a breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy

The recent discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors is a significant milestone in cancer immunotherapy research. However, some patients with primary or adaptive drug resistance might not benefit from the overall therapeutic potential of immunotherapy in oncology. Thus, it is becoming increasingly critical for oncologists to explore the availability of new immune checkpoint inhibitors. An emerging co-inhibitory receptor, CD112R (also called PVRIG), is most commonly expressed on natural killer (NK) and T cells. It binds to its ligand (CD112 or PVRL2/nectin-2) and inhibits the strength with which T cells and NK cells respond to cancer. Therefore, CD112R is being presented as a new immune checkpoint inhibitor with high potential in cancer immunotherapy. CD112 is easily detectable on antigen-presenting or tumor cells, and its high level of expression has been linked with tumor progression and poor outcomes in most cancer patients. This review explores the molecular and functional relationship between CD112R, TIGIT, CD96, and CD226 in T cell responses. In addition, this review comprehensively discusses the recent developments of CD112R/CD112 immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy and prognosis.

Emerging roles of the nectin family of cell adhesion molecules in tumour-associated pathways

Tumour cells achieve maximum survival by modifying cellular machineries associated with processes such as cell division, migration, survival, and apoptosis, resulting in genetically complex and heterogeneous populations. While nectin and nectin-like cell adhesion molecules control development and maintenance of multicellular organisation in higher vertebrates by mediating cell-cell adhesion and related signalling processes, recent studies indicate that they also critically regulate growth and development of different types of cancers. In this review, we detail current knowledge about the role of nectin family members in various tumours. Furthermore, we also analyse the seemingly opposing roles of some members of nectin family in tumour-associated pathways, as they function as both tumour suppressors and oncogenes. Understanding this functional duality of nectin family in tumours will further our knowledge of molecular mechanisms regulating tumour development and progression, and contribute to the advancement of tumour diagnosis and therapy.