Glycoprotein 2 (GP2) (GP2)

Glycoprotein 2 (GP2) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein that serves as a critical receptor on the apical surface of Microfold (M) cells within the Peyer's patches of the intestinal mucosa [1]. It functions as a pattern recognition receptor by specifically binding to FimH, a mannose-binding adhesin found on the Type 1 pili of various enterobacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium [1, 2]. This interaction facilitates the transcytosis of these pathogens across the epithelial barrier to the underlying lymphoid tissue, initiating a targeted mucosal immune response [2]. Beyond its role in host defense, GP2 is a significant clinical biomarker; anti-GP2 autoantibodies are frequently detected in patients with Crohn's disease, suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease [3]. In drug development, GP2 is being explored as a target for mucosal vaccine delivery, where mannosylated nanoparticles or ligands are used to specifically direct antigens to M cells to enhance oral immunization efficacy [4]. Additionally, small molecule FimH antagonists like Sibofimloc are being investigated to block the GP2-FimH interaction to prevent bacterial colonization and inflammation in the gut [5]. Sources: [1] Hase K, et al. Nature. 2009;462(7270):226-230. [2] Ohno H, Hase K. Mucosal Immunol. 2010;3(3):217-223. [3] Roggenbuck D, et al. Gut. 2011;60(3):333-343. [4] Fievez V, et al. J Control Release. 2009;135(1):35-44. [5] Spaulding CN, et al. Nature. 2017;546(7659):528-533.

Other names

Zymogen granule membrane glycoprotein 2Pancreatic secretory granule membrane major glycoprotein GP2M-cell-specific receptor

Facilitates the uptake and transcytosis of FimH-expressing bacteria from the intestinal lumen to the underlying lymphoid tissue for immune processing [1, 2].