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Review
. 2022 Jan 2;10(1):1967080.
doi: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1967080. Epub 2021 Sep 5.

Claudin-18.2 as a therapeutic target in cancers: cumulative findings from basic research and clinical trials

Daisuke Kyuno  1   2 , Akira Takasawa  1 , Kumi Takasawa  1 , Yusuke Ono  1 , Tomoyuki Aoyama  1 , Kazufumi Magara  1 , Yuna Nakamori  1 , Ichiro Takemasa  2 , Makoto Osanai  1
Affiliations
Review

Claudin-18.2 as a therapeutic target in cancers: cumulative findings from basic research and clinical trials

Daisuke Kyuno et al. Tissue Barriers. .

Abstract

Claudins are major components of tight junctions that maintain cell polarity and intercellular adhesion. The dynamics of claudins in cancer cells have attracted attention as a therapeutic target. During carcinogenesis, claudin expression is generally downregulated; however, overexpression of claudin-18.2 has been observed in several types of cancers. Upregulated and mislocalized claudin-18.2 expression in cancer cells has been suggested as a therapeutic target. Research on claudin-18.2 has revealed its involvement in carcinogenesis. Clinical trials using zolbetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting claudin-18.2, for patients with advanced cancer yielded positive results with few high-grade adverse events; thus, it is expected to be a novel and effective therapeutic. Here, we review current insights into the role that claudin-18.2 plays in basic cancer research and clinical applications. A better understanding of these roles will facilitate the development of new treatment strategies for cancer patients with poor prognoses.

Keywords: Tight junction; cancer; claudin-18.2; zolbetuximab.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Amino acid sequences of claudin-18.1 and claudin-18.2.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Claudin-18.2 expression in gastric cancer.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Action of zolbetuximab on claudin-18.2 of cancer cells.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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