Cytochrome b-245 heavy chain (NADPH oxidase 2) (NOX2)

Cytochrome b-245 heavy chain, commonly known as NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), is the catalytic core of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase complex (UniProt: P04839). It is primarily expressed in the membranes of neutrophils, macrophages, and other myeloid cells, where it facilitates the transfer of electrons from NADPH to molecular oxygen to generate superoxide radicals (NCBI Gene: 1536). This process, known as the respiratory burst, is essential for the microbicidal activity of the innate immune system. Dysregulation or overactivation of NOX2 is implicated in a wide range of pathologies characterized by oxidative stress, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (PubMed: 22535161). Conversely, genetic deficiency in NOX2 leads to Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), a condition marked by severe recurrent infections. Therapeutic strategies focus on developing selective NOX2 inhibitors, such as GSK2795039, to mitigate tissue damage from excessive ROS production while preserving baseline immune function (PubMed: 28213558).

Other names

gp91phoxCYBBp91-PHOXCytochrome b(558) subunit betaHeme-binding membrane glycoprotein gp91phoxAMCBX2CGD

Inhibition of the catalytic activity of the NOX2 enzyme complex to prevent the production of superoxide and subsequent reactive oxygen species (ROS).