Abstract
Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecules (SLAM) family receptors are initially described in immune cells. These receptors recruit both activating and inhibitory SH2 domain containing proteins through their Immunoreceptor Tyrosine based Switch Motifs (ITSMs). Accumulating evidence suggest that the members of this family are intimately involved in different physiological and pathophysiological events such as regulation of immune responses and entry pathways of certain viruses. Recently, other functions of SLAM, principally in the pathophysiology of neoplastic transformations have also been deciphered. These new findings may prompt SLAM to be considered as new tumor markers, diagnostic tools or potential therapeutic targets for controlling the tumor progression. In this review, we summarize the major observations describing the implications and features of SLAM in oncology and discuss the therapeutic potential attributed to these molecules.
Highlights
Molecular characteristics of Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecules (SLAM) family receptorsSLAM family receptors belong to the Immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily
Since SLAMF2 is highly expressed on more than 90% MM plasma cells compared to normal lymphocytes (Table 1), this receptor serves as target for mAb therapy in MM [37]
SLAM molecules are of particular interest for diagnosis and therapy of various cancers
Summary
Molecular characteristics of SLAM family receptorsSLAM family receptors belong to the Immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily. Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecules (SLAM) family receptors are initially described in immune cells. SLAMF1 expression is decreased in patients with aggressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and was associated with reduced overall survival [24] (Table 1). Murine anti-SLAMF2 IgM antibody WM63 was used in a pilot CLL phase I clinical trial and results showed a transient reduction in the number of circulating cancer cells [35] (Table 2).
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