B7-H4
B7-H4 (V-set domain containing T cell activation inhibitor 1, encoded by VTCN1) is a cell-surface member of the B7 family that negatively regulates T-cell-mediated immune responses. It is also known as B7x, B7S1, B7H4 and FLJ22418. Browse Assay Genie's current range of B7-H4 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
B7-H4 negatively regulates the T-cell-mediated immune response. It does so by inhibiting T-cell activation, proliferation, cytokine production and the development of cytotoxicity. When B7-H4 is expressed on the surface of tumour macrophages, it plays an important role, together with regulatory T-cells (Treg), in suppressing tumour-associated antigen-specific T-cell immunity. It has also been described as involved in promoting epithelial cell transformation.
The VTCN1 gene encodes a protein of the B7 costimulatory family. Proteins in this family are present on the surface of antigen-presenting cells and interact with ligands bound to receptors on the surface of T cells. B7-H4 is a cell membrane protein and belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily, in the BTN/MOG family. HGNC places the gene in the V-set domain containing and B7 family groups. Mouse and rat both carry a Vtcn1 ortholog, so the biology can be studied in common rodent models.
According to the NCBI Gene summary, high levels of the encoded protein have been correlated with tumour progression, which is why B7-H4 is of interest in tumour immunology. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been reported for the B7-H4 gene, and a pseudogene is located on chromosome 20. The protein is also referred to as B7x and B7S1 in the literature, alongside the B7-H4 and B7H4 spellings.
B7-H4 on tumour macrophages contributes, with Treg cells, to suppression of tumour-associated antigen-specific T-cell immunity.
B7-H4 inhibits T-cell activation, proliferation, cytokine production and cytotoxicity, making it a model negative regulator of T-cell responses.
High levels of B7-H4 have been correlated with tumour progression, supporting its study as a marker in cancer biology.
B7-H4 is described as involved in promoting epithelial cell transformation, linking this B7 family member to early tumorigenic events.
B7-H4 negatively regulates T-cell-mediated immunity by inhibiting T-cell activation, proliferation, cytokine production and the development of cytotoxicity. On tumour macrophages it acts with regulatory T-cells to suppress tumour-associated antigen-specific T-cell immunity. It is also involved in promoting epithelial cell transformation.
The official gene symbol is VTCN1, and the protein is also called B7x, B7S1, B7H4 and FLJ22418. UniProt lists the name V-set domain-containing T-cell activation inhibitor 1. NCBI reports that multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms exist for this gene.
Mouse and rat both have a Vtcn1 ortholog, so B7-H4 can be studied in rodent models; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity. NCBI notes that high levels of the protein have been correlated with tumour progression.
Other B7 family members, immune checkpoint proteins and T-cell regulators studied alongside B7-H4.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q7Z7D3; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.