The role of the type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein B7-H3 is controversial in tumorigenesis; thus, a better clarification of its involvement in cancer is crucial.
In this review, we discuss current understanding of the diverse functions of B7-H3 in carcinogenesis and cancer progression, and consider future directions for designing cancer immunotherapeutic agents targeting B7-H3.
The tumor promoter phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) enhanced the expression of 4Ig-hB7H3 in FEMX-I (melanoma), MA11 (breast cancer), and OHS (osteosarcoma) cells, suggesting that 4Ig-hB7H3 may be implicated in tumorigenesis.