Transferrin receptor protein 1 (TfR1), also known as Cluster of Differentiation 71 (CD71), is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, res ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''TFRC''
gene
In biology, the word gene (from , ; "... Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a b ...
.
TfR1 is required for iron import from
transferrin
Transferrins are glycoproteins found in vertebrates which bind to and consequently mediate the transport of iron (Fe) through blood plasma. They are produced in the liver and contain binding sites for two Fe3+ ions. Human transferrin is encode ...
into cells by
endocytosis.
Structure and function
![Cellular iron homeostasis](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Cellular_iron_homeostasis.png)
TfR1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein composed of two disulfide-linked monomers joined by two disulfide bonds. Each monomer binds one holo-
transferrin
Transferrins are glycoproteins found in vertebrates which bind to and consequently mediate the transport of iron (Fe) through blood plasma. They are produced in the liver and contain binding sites for two Fe3+ ions. Human transferrin is encode ...
molecule creating an iron-Tf-TfR complex which enters the cell by endocytosis.
Clinical significance
TfR1 as a potential new target in cases of human leukemia & lymphoma. InatherYs, in Évry, France, developed a candidate drug, INA01 antibody (anti-CD71) that showed efficacy in pre-clinical studies in the therapy of two incurable orphan oncohematological diseases: the adult T cell leukemia (ATLL) caused by HTLV-1 and the Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
TfR1 expressed on the
endothelial cells
The endothelium is a single layer of squamous endothelial cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. The endothelium forms an interface between circulating blood or lymph in the lumen and the rest of the vessel ...
of the
blood-brain barrier is used also in
preclinical research
In drug development, preclinical development, also termed preclinical studies or nonclinical studies, is a stage of research that begins before clinical trials (testing in humans) and during which important feasibility, iterative testing and drug ...
to allow the delivery of large molecules including
antibodies into the
brain
A brain is an organ that serves as the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals. It is located in the head, usually close to the sensory organs for senses such as vision. It is the most complex organ in a ve ...
. Some of the TfR1 targeting
antibodies have been shown to cross the
blood-brain barrier, without interfering with the uptake of iron. Amongst those are the mouse anti rat-TfR antibody OX26 and the rat anti mouse-TfR antibody 8D3. The
affinity
Affinity may refer to:
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of the antibody-TfR interaction seems to be important determining the success of transcytotic transport over endothelial cells of the BBB. Monovalent TfR interaction favors BBB transport due to altered intracellular sorting pathways.
Avidity In biochemistry, avidity refers to the accumulated strength of ''multiple'' affinities of individual non-covalent binding interactions, such as between a protein receptor and its ligand, and is commonly referred to as functional affinity. Avidity di ...
effects of bivalent interactions redirecting transport to the
lysosome
A lysosome () is a membrane-bound organelle found in many animal cells. They are spherical vesicles that contain hydrolytic enzymes that can break down many kinds of biomolecules. A lysosome has a specific composition, of both its membrane pr ...
. Also, reducing TfR binding affinity directly promote dissociation from the TfR which increase brain parenchymal exposure of the TfR binding antibody.
Interactions
TfR1 has been shown to
interact
Advocates for Informed Choice, dba interACT or interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization using innovative strategies to advocate for the legal and human rights of children with intersex traits. The organizati ...
with
GABARAP
Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''GABARAP'' gene.
Function
Gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors ABA(A) receptorsare ligand-gated chloride channels that mediate inhibitory neurot ...
and
HFE.
Immunostain marker
CD71 is a robust
immunohistochemistry marker for chorionic villi, especially in necrotic specimens. Among white blood cells and precursors, CD71 is expressed only by erythroid precursors within the normal hematopoietic marrow and spleen, in contrast to glycophorin that marks all types of red blood cells.
See also
*
Transferrin receptor 2
Transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''TFR2'' gene. This protein is involved in the uptake of transferrin-bound iron into cells by endocytosis, although its role is minor compared to transferrin receptor 1.
F ...
*
Cluster of differentiation
The cluster of differentiation (also known as cluster of designation or classification determinant and often abbreviated as CD) is a protocol used for the identification and investigation of cell surface molecules providing targets for immunophen ...
References
External links
*
Iron metabolism
Clusters of differentiation
Transferrins
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