# Group XIV C-type lectins: emerging targets in tumor angiogenesis

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the role of group XIV C-type lectins in tumor angiogenesis and their potential as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

## Contribution

The paper highlights group XIV C-type lectins as emerging therapeutic targets in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis.

## Key findings

- Group XIV CTLDs are involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastatic dissemination.
- Dysregulation of group XIV CTLDs leads to clinically relevant pathologies.
- Targeting group XIV CTLDs offers therapeutic promise for cancer treatment.

## Abstract

C-type lectins, distinguished by a C-type lectin binding domain (CTLD), are an evolutionarily conserved superfamily of glycoproteins that are implicated in a broad range of physiologic processes. The group XIV subfamily of CTLDs are comprised of CD93, CD248/endosialin, CLEC14a, and thrombomodulin/CD141, and have important roles in creating and maintaining blood vessels, organizing extracellular matrix, and balancing pro- and anti-coagulative processes. As such, dysregulation in the expression and downstream signaling pathways of these proteins often lead to clinically relevant pathology. Recently, group XIV CTLDs have been shown to play significant roles in cancer progression, namely tumor angiogenesis and metastatic dissemination. Interest in therapeutically targeting tumor vasculature is increasing and the search for novel angiogenic targets is ongoing. Group XIV CTLDs have emerged as key moderators of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, thus offering substantial therapeutic promise for the clinic. Herein, we review our current knowledge of group XIV CTLDs, discuss each’s role in malignancy and associated potential therapeutic avenues, briefly discuss group XIV CTLDs in the context of two other relevant lectin families, and offer future direction in further elucidating mechanisms by which these proteins function and facilitate tumor growth.