Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) entrance into
cancer cells is mediated by AFP receptors (AFPRs) and exerts malignant effects. Therefore, understanding the structure of AFPRs will facilitate the development of rational approaches for
vaccine design, drug delivery, antagonizing immune suppression and diagnostic imaging to treat
cancer effectively. Throughout the last three decades, the identification of universal receptors for AFP has failed due to their complex
carbohydrate polymer structures. Here, we focused on the two types of
binding proteins or receptors that may serve as AFPRs, namely, the A)
mucin receptors family, and B) the scavenger family. We presented an informative review with detailed descriptions of the signal transduction, cross-talk, and interplay of various
transcription factors which highlight the downstream events following AFP binding to
mucin or
scavenger receptors. We mainly explored the underlying mechanisms involved
mucin or
scavenger receptors that interact with AFP, provide more evidence to support these receptors as
tumor AFPRs, and establish a theoretical basis for targeting
therapy of
cancer.