Syntaxin-11 is a membrane protein that is involved in the fusion of vesicles with target membranes. It forms part of the SNARE complex, which is essential for the docking and fusion of vesicles . The SNARE complex typically consists of syntaxins, SNAP-25 (synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa), and VAMPs (vesicle-associated membrane proteins). In the case of syntaxin-11, it has been shown to form complexes with VAMP-8 and SNAP-23 .
Syntaxin-11 is critical for the proper functioning of immune cells. It is involved in the degranulation process of NK cells and CTLs, which is essential for the release of cytotoxic granules that kill target cells . Deficiencies or mutations in the STX11 gene can lead to impaired immune responses and are associated with a rare immune disorder known as familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 4 (FHL4) . This disorder is characterized by uncontrolled activation of immune cells, leading to severe inflammation and tissue damage.
Recombinant human syntaxin-11 is a synthetically produced version of the protein, often used in research to study its function and role in various cellular processes. It is typically expressed in E. coli and purified for use in experiments . The recombinant protein is often tagged with a His-tag at the N-terminus to facilitate purification and detection .
Research on syntaxin-11 has provided valuable insights into its role in immune cell function and its involvement in immune disorders. Studies using syntaxin-11-deficient murine models have shown that the absence of this protein leads to defects in the degranulation process of immune cells, resulting in impaired cytotoxic activity . These findings have important implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying immune disorders and developing potential therapeutic strategies.
In conclusion, syntaxin-11 is a vital protein involved in the regulation of vesicle fusion and immune cell function. Recombinant human syntaxin-11 serves as an important tool in research, helping scientists to unravel the complexities of immune responses and develop new treatments for immune-related diseases.