CMTM6 (CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing 6) is a protein belonging to the MARVEL domain-containing family, implicated in regulating membrane protein stability and trafficking. It gained significant attention due to its role in stabilizing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), a key immune checkpoint molecule exploited by cancer cells to evade T-cell-mediated destruction. CMTM6 binds to PD-L1. preventing its lysosomal degradation and maintaining its cell surface expression, thereby modulating tumor immune evasion and response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies.
Antibodies targeting CMTM6 are essential tools for studying its expression, interaction networks, and functional roles in cancer biology and immunology. These antibodies are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence to quantify CMTM6 levels in tumor tissues or cell lines. Research utilizing CMTM6 antibodies has revealed its overexpression in various cancers, correlating with poor prognosis and therapeutic resistance. Additionally, CMTM6 antibodies help explore its broader roles beyond PD-L1 regulation, including involvement in receptor signaling and membrane protein dynamics.
As the interplay between CMTM6 and immune checkpoints becomes clearer, CMTM6 antibodies also hold potential for developing combination therapies to enhance immunotherapy efficacy. Their application continues to advance understanding of tumor microenvironment regulation and immune escape mechanisms.