Pentraxin-related protein PTX3 (PTX3)

Pentraxin-related protein PTX3 (PTX3) is a secreted, multi-functional pattern recognition molecule and a member of the long pentraxin family, structurally distinct from short pentraxins like C-reactive protein. PTX3 is encoded by the PTX3 gene on chromosome 3q25, and is rapidly produced at sites of infection or inflammation by a range of cells, including endothelial and immune cells, in response to pro-inflammatory signals. It plays a crucial role in innate immunity by binding pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses), activating and regulating the classical complement pathway by direct interaction with complement component C1q, modulating inflammation, promoting clearance of apoptotic cells, and regulating tissue remodeling and angiogenesis. PTX3 acts as an acute-phase protein, and its circulating levels rise sharply during infection and inflammation, making it a valuable biomarker for these conditions. Structurally, PTX3 forms an octamer through two linked tetramers, facilitating its diverse ligand interactions. Dysregulation of PTX3 expression or function has been implicated in susceptibility to infection, inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer regulation, and autoimmune disorders. There are currently no marketed drugs that directly target PTX3, but modulating its activity is an area of research for inflammatory and infectious diseases

Other names

Pentraxin 3Long pentraxin PTX3TSG-14Tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene 14 protein