BPI fold containing family B member 6 (BPIFB6)

BPI fold containing family B member 6 (BPIFB6) is a member of the BPI/LBP/PLUNC protein superfamily, characterized by the BPI fold that enables binding to hydrophobic and amphipathic molecules such as certain lipids. BPIFB6 is encoded by the BPIFB6 gene, with notable expression in mucosal tissues including tonsils, nasal mucosa, tongue, salivary gland, and esophageal mucosa[1][3]. It localizes mainly to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), specifically ER sheets, and interacts with other BPIFB family members such as BPIFB2 and BPIFB3[2]. BPIFB6 plays a critical role in regulating secretory pathway trafficking and Golgi morphology, and it is required for efficient replication of certain enteroviruses. Silencing BPIFB6 disrupts secretory processes and Golgi integrity, resulting in reduced enterovirus replication[2][4]. The biological significance of BPIFB6 in disease contexts includes potential relevance as a biomarker for cancer (e.g., hypomethylation in rectal cancer) and high expression in hypertrophic (enlarged) tonsils linked to infection or inflammation[1]. Although direct therapeutic drugs or safety concerns are not currently established, the role of BPIFB6 in viral replication suggests it may be a prospective antiviral target[2].

Other names

BPIL3LPLUNC6bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein-like 3BPI fold-containing family B member 6

Regulator of secretory pathway trafficking, which impacts enterovirus (e.g., coxsackievirus B, poliovirus, enterovirus 71) replication