These proteins may play a role in the control of cell division and growth regulation.

[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] GPC3 interacts with both Wnt and frizzled (FZD) to form a complex and triggers downstream signaling.

[20] Using the YP7 murine monoclonal antibody, GPC3 protein expression is found in HCC, not in normal liver and cholangiocarcinoma.

The laboratory of Dr. Mitchell Ho at the National Cancer Institute, NIH (Bethesda, Maryland, US) has generated YP7 murine monoclonal antibody that recognizes the C-lobe of GPC3 by hybridoma technology.

[22] The Ho lab has also identified the human single-domain antibody ('human nanobody') HN3[12] targeting the N-lobe of GPC3 [17] and the human monoclonal antibody HS20[13][24] targeting the heparan sulfate chains on GPC3 by phage display technology.

The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapies based on GC33,[31] hYP7[32][33] and HN3[34] are being reported at various stages for treating liver cancer.