Cereblon: A molecular target of immunomodulatory drugs

Abstract

Molecular background of complex biological effects of immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide has been largely unknown. Recently, a role of cereblon (CRBN) as a common molecular target for IMiDs and protein crucial for teratogenicity of thalidomide, as well as anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic and immunomodulatory effects of IMiDs, has been elucidated. In this paper we review published pre-clinical and clinical data on the significance of CRBN expression. Moreover, we discuss perspectives on clinical application of evaluation of CRBN for individualization and monitoring of IMiDs-based therapy.