Neutrophil Cytosolic Factor 1 Human Recombinant
Neutrophil Cytosolic Factor 4 Human Recombinant
Neutrophil Cytosolic Factor (NCF) refers to a group of proteins that are integral components of the NADPH oxidase complex, which is crucial for the immune response. The primary members of this group include NCF1 (p47-phox), NCF2 (p67-phox), and NCF4 (p40-phox) . These proteins are classified based on their role in the assembly and activation of the NADPH oxidase complex, which produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) to combat pathogens .
Key Biological Properties: NCF proteins are cytosolic components that translocate to the membrane upon activation. They are essential for the production of superoxide anions, a type of ROS .
Expression Patterns: NCF proteins are predominantly expressed in phagocytic cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages .
Tissue Distribution: These proteins are found in various tissues, with high expression levels in the bone marrow, spleen, and blood, reflecting their role in the immune system .
Primary Biological Functions: The primary function of NCF proteins is to facilitate the assembly and activation of the NADPH oxidase complex, leading to the production of ROS . These ROS are crucial for the destruction of pathogens during the immune response .
Role in Immune Responses: NCF proteins play a vital role in the innate immune response by enabling phagocytes to produce ROS, which are used to kill bacteria and fungi .
Pathogen Recognition: Through the production of ROS, NCF proteins help in recognizing and eliminating pathogens, thereby preventing infections .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: NCF proteins interact with other components of the NADPH oxidase complex, including the membrane-bound cytochrome b558 . Upon activation, NCF proteins translocate to the membrane and form a functional enzyme complex .
Binding Partners: NCF1 (p47-phox) interacts with NCF2 (p67-phox) and NCF4 (p40-phox) to form a complex that binds to the membrane-bound components of NADPH oxidase .
Downstream Signaling Cascades: The activation of NADPH oxidase leads to the production of ROS, which are involved in various signaling pathways that regulate immune responses and inflammation .
Expression and Activity Control: The expression and activity of NCF proteins are regulated at multiple levels, including transcriptional and post-translational modifications .
Transcriptional Regulation: The transcription of NCF genes is regulated by various cytokines and growth factors that modulate the immune response .
Post-Translational Modifications: NCF proteins undergo phosphorylation, which is essential for their activation and translocation to the membrane .
Biomedical Research: NCF proteins are studied extensively in the context of immune responses and inflammatory diseases .
Diagnostic Tools: Mutations in NCF genes are associated with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), and genetic testing for these mutations is used in the diagnosis of CGD .
Therapeutic Strategies: Understanding the role of NCF proteins in immune responses has led to the development of therapies aimed at modulating their activity to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases .
Development: NCF proteins are crucial for the development of functional neutrophils in the bone marrow .
Aging and Disease: The activity of NCF proteins can be altered in aging and various diseases, leading to impaired immune responses and increased susceptibility to infections .
Disease: Mutations in NCF genes can lead to chronic granulomatous disease, characterized by recurrent infections and inflammation due to defective ROS production .