BPI fold-containing family B member 4 (BPIFB4)

BPI fold-containing family B member 4 (BPIFB4) is a secreted protein of the BPI fold superfamily, primarily expressed in the olfactory epithelium, mononuclear cells, vascular tissue, and stem/progenitor cells[1]. BPIFB4 plays a key role in the innate immune response to bacterial exposure, vascular homeostasis, and modulation of inflammatory processes. In particular, a longevity-associated variant (LAV-BPIFB4) is enriched in long-lived individuals and has strong cardioprotective and immunomodulatory effects, acting via endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation and beneficial regulation of angiogenesis, inflammatory cell polarization, and ribosomal biogenesis[1][2][3][4]. BPIFB4 is downregulated in aged and failing hearts, and experimental bolstering of BPIFB4 activity improves cardiac function in animal models, with gene therapy based on LAV-BPIFB4 showing therapeutic potential for age-related cardiovascular disorders[2][3][4]. BPIFB4 does not have any known approved interacting drugs, but is a direct target for investigative therapies based on gene or protein supplementation. No major safety concerns have yet been reported for these developmental approaches.

Other names

C20orf186LPLUNC4dJ726C3.5Ligand-binding protein RY2G5Long palate, lung and nasal epithelium carcinoma-associated protein 4RY2G5Likely ortholog of rat probable ligand-binding protein RY2G5

For therapies targeting BPIFB4 (esp. LAV-BPIFB4):\n - Enhancement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity leading to vasodilation\n - Promotion of angiogenesis via cooperation with nucleolin and enhancement of endothelial/pericyte function\n - Reduction of endoplasmic reticulum stress via phosphorylation events\n - Induction of anti-inflammatory conditions by shifting macrophage populations and reducing T-cell activation[1][2][3][4]