ALCAM/CD166 Protein, Human (HEK293, His)

ALCAM/CD166 protein serves as a pivotal cell adhesion molecule, orchestrating a spectrum of cellular interactions. It mediates both heterotypic cell-cell contacts through its interaction with CD6 and homotypic cell-cell contacts, promoting T-cell activation and proliferation. ALCAM contributes significantly to the formation and maturation of the immunological synapse by engaging with CD6. Additionally, it facilitates homotypic interactions with cells expressing ALCAM. Acting as a ligand for the LILRB4 receptor, ALCAM enhances LILRB4-mediated inhibition of T cell proliferation. The protein is indispensable for normal hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in the bone marrow and mediates the attachment of dendritic cells onto endothelial cells through homotypic interactions. ALCAM plays a vital role in inhibiting endothelial cell migration while promoting endothelial tube formation. It is crucial for the organization of the lymph vessel network and hematopoiesis, ensuring normal numbers of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. ALCAM's diverse functions extend to promoting in vitro osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, as well as influencing neurite extension, axon growth, and axon guidance. Notably, it inhibits membrane-bound isoforms by competing for the same interaction partners, restricts cell attachment via homotypic interactions, and simultaneously promotes endothelial cell migration while inhibiting endothelial cell tube formation.