Alpha-taxilin (TXLNA)

Alpha-taxilin (TXLNA) is a member of the taxilin protein family, which also includes beta- and gamma-taxilin. It binds to members of the syntaxin family and regulates intracellular vesicle transport by interfering with SNARE complex formation, thereby modulating vesicle trafficking[2][4]. Alpha-taxilin is also known as interleukin-14 and controls proliferation of normal and malignant B-cells, acting as a cytokine predominantly produced by T-cells and malignant B-cells[3]. Recent research has revealed a structural role for alpha-taxilin at centriolar subdistal appendages (SDA), contributing to centrosomal microtubule anchorage and spindle orientation during cell division[1]. Reduced alpha-taxilin levels are observed in HCV infection, and its overexpression limits viral particle release, highlighting a role in infection biology[2]. Alpha-taxilin seems to function in multiple cell types, integrating trafficking, cytoskeleton, and immune growth factor signaling[1][2][3][4].

Other names

Taxilin alphaAlpha-taxilinInterleukin-14 (IL-14)High molecular weight B-cell growth factor (HMW-BCGF)

Drugs targeting alpha-taxilin would likely modulate vesicular trafficking (e.g. SNARE-mediated fusion inhibition) and could have potential indirect antiviral mechanisms by preventing viral particle release.