CD24 contributes to tumorigenesis through several mechanisms:
1. Cell Proliferation: CD24 can promote cell proliferation by activating downstream signaling pathways, such as the PI3K/Akt pathway. 2. Metastasis: CD24 enhances the metastatic potential of cancer cells by facilitating cell adhesion and migration. 3. Immune Evasion: CD24 interacts with Siglec-10, an inhibitory receptor on immune cells, to suppress the immune response against tumor cells. 4. Stem Cell Characteristics: CD24 is often associated with cancer stem cells, which are known for their ability to initiate and sustain tumor growth and contribute to therapy resistance.