Function
CD47 (Cluster of Differentiation 47) is a protein which is expressed by cancer cells to avoid detection by the immune system. CD47 is a receptor for thrombospondin-1 and their association influences cell migration and adhesion. CD47 is a receptor for SIRP1 and their association influences inhibition of phagocytosis. CD47 is a receptor for several integrins and their association influences cell migration and adhesion. CD47 leads to cell death via apoptosis. [1]
Relevance
Antibodies against CD47 were found to bring effective cure against cancer in mice in a variety of cancers tested. CD47 is an antigen on a variety of human cancer cells.
Structural insights
CD47 consists of an extracellular N-terminal immunoglobulin-like domain, a transmembrane domain and a C-terminal intracellular domain.
