BST2 Human

BST-2 is encoded by the BST2 gene located on chromosome 19 in humans . The protein consists of a short N-terminal cytoplasmic tail, a single transmembrane domain, an extracellular coiled-coil domain, and a C-terminal glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor . This structure allows BST-2 to anchor itself to the cell membrane and interact with various cellular and viral components.

BST-2 is known for its ability to inhibit the release of enveloped viruses from infected cells. It achieves this by tethering budding virions to the cell membrane, preventing their dissemination and subsequent infection of new cells . This antiviral activity is particularly significant in the context of HIV-1, where BST-2 restricts the release of virions in the absence of the viral protein U (Vpu) .

BST-2 is constitutively expressed in various cell types, including B cells, plasma cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and myeloma cells . Its expression can be further induced by cytokines such as type I interferons (IFN-α and IFN-β), which are part of the body’s response to viral infections .

BST-2 has been implicated in various clinical contexts. For instance, genetic variants of BST-2 can influence the expression levels and disease outcomes in HIV-1 infected patients . Additionally, high expression levels of BST-2 have been observed in certain types of cancer, suggesting a potential role in tumor biology .

Recombinant human BST-2 is used in research to study its role in viral restriction and immune response. It is also explored as a potential therapeutic target for enhancing antiviral immunity and modulating immune responses in cancer .