CD70 is a type II transmembrane protein, meaning it spans the cell membrane with its N-terminal inside the cell and the C-terminal outside. The extracellular domain of CD70 is responsible for binding to CD27. This interaction is pivotal for the generation and maintenance of T cell immunity, particularly during antiviral responses .
CD70 is expressed on activated T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells. Its expression is tightly regulated and usually transient, occurring only during immune responses. This regulation ensures that the immune system can respond effectively to pathogens without causing excessive inflammation or autoimmunity .
The primary function of CD70 is to bind to its receptor, CD27, on T cells. This binding triggers several downstream signaling pathways that lead to T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. Specifically, the CD70-CD27 interaction enhances the generation of cytolytic T cells, which are crucial for killing infected or cancerous cells .
Additionally, CD70 plays a role in the formation of memory T cells, which are essential for long-term immunity. By promoting the survival and proliferation of these cells, CD70 helps the immune system remember and respond more effectively to previously encountered pathogens .
Recombinant CD70 is produced using various expression systems, one of which is the sf9 insect cell line. This system is commonly used for producing recombinant proteins because it allows for proper protein folding and post-translational modifications, which are essential for the protein’s biological activity .
The recombinant human CD70 produced in sf9 cells is typically used in research to study its function and potential therapeutic applications. For example, it can be used to investigate the role of CD70 in immune responses or to develop new treatments for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders .
CD70 has garnered significant interest in the field of immunotherapy, particularly for cancer treatment. By targeting the CD70-CD27 pathway, researchers aim to enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Several therapeutic strategies are being explored, including monoclonal antibodies that block CD70 or CD27, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells engineered to target CD70-expressing tumors .
In addition to cancer, CD70 is also being studied for its role in autoimmune diseases. Dysregulation of the CD70-CD27 pathway has been implicated in conditions such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. By modulating this pathway, researchers hope to develop new treatments that can restore immune balance and alleviate disease symptoms .