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.
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.
