Butyrophilin-like protein 3 (BTNL3)

Butyrophilin-like protein 3 is a type I transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, structurally related to B7 family checkpoint molecules. BTNL3 is specifically expressed on gut epithelial cells, where it forms functional heteromers (notably with BTNL8) and plays a pivotal role in shaping the tissue-resident γδ T cell compartment, particularly influencing Vγ4^+ γδ T cells. Its direct interaction with the γδ T cell receptor is focused on germline-encoded regions, resembling superantigen-like binding. Changes in BTNL3 expression have been linked to mucosal inflammation and colon cancer. While it acts as a co-inhibitory ligand for T cell proliferation and activation, its broader biological and therapeutic significance is still being elucidated[1][2][3].

Other names

BTNL3BTNLRBTN9.1Butyrophilin-like receptorCOLF4100UNQ744/PRO1472

Ligand for Vγ4^+ γδ T cell receptor: binds via its IgV domain to germline-encoded regions of the TCR, modulating activation in a superantigen-like fashion; Acts as a co-inhibitory ligand for T cells, can suppress CD3-induced proliferation and cytokine production