BPI fold containing family A member 2 (BPIFA2)

BPI fold containing family A member 2 (BPIFA2) is a secreted protein highly expressed in the "parotid (salivary) gland" and also present in the oropharyngeal mucosa. BPIFA2 belongs to the BPI/LBP/PLUNC superfamily, defined by the bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein fold. Its functions include binding "lipopolysaccharide (LPS)", acting as a salivary surfactant to lower saliva surface tension, promoting agglutination and clearance of bacteria, and contributing to the first line of mucosal defense in the oral cavity. Mouse models lacking BPIFA2 show increased sensitivity to ingested LPS, resulting in mild metabolic endotoxemia, increased insulin secretion, and metabolomic changes, underscoring a link between "oral defense and systemic metabolic regulation". BPIFA2 autoantibodies have been detected in Sjögren’s syndrome, suggesting a potential disease association. Synthetic peptides based on BPIFA2 structure (e.g., GL13NH2, GL13K) exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but BPIFA2 itself is not a direct drug target.

Other names

BPIFA2C20orf70Parotid secretory proteinPSPSPLUNC2bA49G10.1Short palate, lung and nasal epithelium carcinoma-associated protein 2