Human Bone Marrow Stromal Antigen 2 (BST2) Protein

Background

Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Antigen 2 (BST2), also known as tetherin, is a type II transmembrane protein that plays a significant role in the immune response. It is involved in antiviral defenses, specifically by restricting the release of enveloped viruses from infected cells. BST2 was first identified on bone marrow stromal cells, but it is now known to be expressed broadly across different cell types, especially in immune cells, including B cells, dendritic cells, and monocytes. Its antiviral function is key for innate immunity, as BST2 restricts viruses like HIV, Ebola, and others by physically tethering budding virions to the cell surface, preventing their release into the extracellular environment where they can infect new cells. BST2 is also implicated in various physiological processes beyond viral restriction, including immune signaling, cell adhesion, and tumor development. Its expression is upregulated by interferons, a group of cytokines involved in immune signaling, which is indicative of its role in responding to infections and potentially other stressors within the body.