TNF alpha induced protein 8 like 2 (TNFAIP8L2), also known as TIPE2, is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residue (biochemistry), residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including Enzyme catalysis, catalysing metab ...
that in humans is encoded by the TNFAIP8L2
gene
In biology, the word gene has two meanings. The Mendelian gene is a basic unit of heredity. The molecular gene is a sequence of nucleotides in DNA that is transcribed to produce a functional RNA. There are two types of molecular genes: protei ...
. It is preferentially expressed in human myeloid cell types and serves as an immune checkpoint regulator of inflammation and metabolism.
Function
TNFAIP8L2 is a member of the TNFAIP8 (tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8, or TIPE) family that function as transfer proteins for the
second messenger
Second messengers are intracellular signaling molecules released by the cell in response to exposure to extracellular signaling molecules—the first messengers. (Intercellular signals, a non-local form of cell signaling, encompassing both first m ...
lipids
PIP2
Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate or PtdIns(4,5)''P''2, also known simply as PIP2 or PI(4,5)P2, is a minor phospholipid component of cell membranes. PtdIns(4,5)''P''2 is enriched at the plasma membrane where it is a substrate for a number of ...
and
PIP3. The other three family members are
TNFAIP8,
TNFAIP8L1 and
TNFAIP8L3.
Structure
The crystal structure of TIPE2 reveals that it contains a large, hydrophobic central cavity that is poised for cofactor binding.
Clinical significance
TIPE2 acts as a negative regulator of the immune system.
It is down-regulated in patients with infectious and
autoimmune disease
An autoimmune disease is a condition that results from an anomalous response of the adaptive immune system, wherein it mistakenly targets and attacks healthy, functioning parts of the body as if they were foreign organisms. It is estimated tha ...
s and also acts as a
tumor suppressor
A tumor suppressor gene (TSG), or anti-oncogene, is a gene that regulates a cell (biology), cell during cell division and replication. If the cell grows uncontrollably, it will result in cancer. When a tumor suppressor gene is mutated, it results ...
in several types of cancer.
Its
knockout
A knockout (abbreviated to KO or K.O.) is a fight-ending, winning criterion in several full-contact combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, karate, some forms of taekwondo and other sports involving striking, ...
leads to
leukocytosis
Leukocytosis is a condition in which the white cell (leukocyte) count is above the normal range in the blood. It is frequently a sign of an inflammatory response, most commonly the result of infection, but may also occur following certain parasit ...
and systemic
inflammatory disorders in mice.
References
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