Butyrophilin Like Protein 4 (BTNL4)

BTNL4, Contains 1 B30.2/SPRY domain. Butyrophilins (BTN) are related to the myelin oligodendrocyte protein (MOG) and belong to the immunoglobulin superfamily of transmembrane molecules. They are expressed primarily on secretory and intestinal epithelium. Butyrophilins are a major protein component of milk fat droplets and are necessary for droplet secretion. Additionally, butyrophilins can regulate T cell activation. An encephalitogenic T cell response to MOG can be either induced or alternatively suppressed as a consequence of immunological cross-reactivity, or "molecular mimicry" with the extracellular IgV-like domain of the milk protein butyrophilin (BTN). In the Dark Agouti rat, active immunization with native BTN triggers an inflammatory response in the CNS characterized by the formation of scattered meningeal and perivascular infiltrates of T cells and macrophages.