Complement component 4-binding protein alpha (C4BPA) mRNA (C4BPA mRNA)

Complement component 4-binding protein alpha (C4BPA) mRNA encodes the primary subunit of a major soluble inhibitor of the classical and lectin complement pathways (UniProt P04003). The resulting C4BPA protein functions by binding to C4b, acting as a cofactor for the serine protease Factor I to degrade C4b, and accelerating the decay of the C3 convertase (C4b2a) (NCBI Gene 722). This regulation is essential for protecting host tissues from accidental complement-mediated damage. In clinical research, C4BPA mRNA is investigated as a therapeutic target because its protein product is often hijacked by cancer cells to evade the immune system; specifically, high expression of C4BPA on tumor surfaces prevents complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) (PubMed 31514012). Therapeutic strategies targeting the mRNA, such as siRNA-mediated knockdown, aim to restore the susceptibility of tumor cells to immune attack and enhance the efficacy of therapeutic antibodies (PubMed 25637019). Additionally, C4BPA is involved in lipid metabolism and inflammation, with its dysregulation linked to systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune disorders (PubMed 28611106).

Other names

C4BP alpha mRNAComplement component 4-binding protein alpha subunit mRNAC4BPA transcriptC4BP subunit alpha mRNA

RNA interference (siRNA) or antisense inhibition to reduce protein expression of C4BPA, thereby enhancing complement-mediated lysis of target cells (PubMed 31514012).