The intercellular adhesion molecule 5 (ICAM-5), also known as telencephalin, is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Predominantly expressed in neurons of the telencephalon, it localizes to dendritic surfaces and plays critical roles in synaptic plasticity, neuronal migration, and immune interactions within the central nervous system (CNS). Unlike other ICAM family members, ICAM-5 is neuron-specific and regulates cell-cell adhesion through interactions with integrins like LFA-1 (αLβ2) on microglia or leukocytes. Its extracellular domain contains nine immunoglobulin-like domains, which undergo proteolytic cleavage during synaptic maturation or neuroinflammatory conditions, modulating neuronal signaling and immune responses.
ICAM-5 antibodies are essential tools for studying its function in neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammatory diseases. Researchers utilize these antibodies in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry to detect ICAM-5 expression, cleavage, or interactions in cellular and animal models. Dysregulation of ICAM-5 has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis, where its abnormal shedding may exacerbate neuroinflammation or synaptic loss. Therapeutic antibodies targeting ICAM-5 are also under exploration to modulate immune cell infiltration in the CNS or inhibit pathological signaling.
Overall, ICAM-5 antibodies serve both as diagnostic reagents and potential therapeutic agents, bridging neuroscience and immunology research.