The Transferrin receptor (TFRC) gene encodes Transferrin Receptor 1 (TFR1), a protein that is expressed at low levels in most normal cells but shows increased expression in highly proliferative cells, such as basal epidermal cells, intestinal epithelium, and certain activated immune cells. Brain capillary endothelial cells, which constitute the blood-brain barrier (BBB), also express this receptor at high levels ^[1]. TFR1 plays a critical role in maintaining iron metabolism and homeostasis by facilitating receptor-mediated endocytosis of iron-bound transferrin (Tf) via Tf cycling, thereby promoting iron uptake ^[2]. Cellular iron deficiency can lead to apoptosis, while cellular transformation requires substantial iron to sustain proliferation, with iron overload contributing to tumor progression. The high expression of TFR1 in many tumors makes it a potential tumor marker, offering a target for therapies to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis ^[1]. Moreover, TFR1 is implicated in anemia and iron metabolism disorders. Studies have shown that elevated TFR1 expression in cardiomyocytes is associated with exacerbated inflammation in myocarditis patients ^[3].

As a target for antibody-mediated cancer therapy, TFR1 can be leveraged through two approaches: one involves the use of antibodies conjugated to anti-cancer drugs, which are indirectly internalized via receptor-mediated endocytosis; the other employs antibodies that directly disrupt receptor function or induce Fc effector functions such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Various clinical drugs targeting TFR1 are currently under development, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates, applicable to diseases such as cancer, anemia, and neurodegenerative disorders. Research indicates that enhancing antibody transport across the blood-brain barrier via TFR1, by forming specific bispecific antibodies with anti-β-amyloid antibodies, can improve therapeutic outcomes in Alzheimer's patients ^[4-5]. As research progresses, TFR1 is expected to become an effective clinical target for multiple diseases and a synergistic target for drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

The B6-hTFRC (CDS) mouse model was generated by inserting the human TFRC gene sequence into the mouse Tfrc gene locus using gene-editing technology. To minimize interference from mouse gene sequences or proteins, part of the mouse Tfrc gene sequence was knocked out, resulting in a model expressing only the human TFR1 protein. This model is valuable for studying iron metabolism disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and tumor development, supporting the development of TFR1-targeted therapeutics and preclinical pharmacological evaluations.