Human Butyrophilin Subfamily 3 Member A3 (BTN3A3) Protein

Background

BTN3A, a member of the butyrophilin (BTN) family, is a type I transmembrane protein primarily involved in the modulation of immune responses. BTN3A is encoded by the BTN3A1, BTN3A2, and BTN3A3 genes, which are part of the larger BTN gene family located on chromosome 6 in humans. The BTN family is a subset of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily and shares structural similarities with the B7 family of co-stimulatory molecules. BTN3A proteins are expressed in a variety of tissues, including immune cells like T cells and dendritic cells, indicating their significant role in immune system regulation. BTN3A3 shares significant structural similarities with BTN3A1 and BTN3A2 but has distinct functional roles that are still being elucidated. It is thought to contribute to immune responses and cellular communication.