Thiol–disulfide–containing proteins (TDCP)

Thiol–disulfide–containing proteins in immune cells represent a broad class of surface and intracellular proteins that utilize the reversible oxidation of cysteine residues to regulate biological activity. These proteins, including members of the thioredoxin and protein disulfide-isomerase families, play critical roles in maintaining the redox homeostasis of the immune system and facilitating signal transduction. In the context of disease, the redox state of these proteins is often altered; for instance, exofacial thiols are essential for the entry of several viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and HIV, into host cells. Furthermore, these proteins modulate leukocyte activation and recruitment during inflammatory responses. Therapeutic strategies targeting this group often involve small molecules or antioxidants that modify the thiol-disulfide balance to inhibit viral infection or dampen hyper-inflammatory states. However, because this term describes a functional group of proteins rather than a single molecular entity, it is considered a broad therapeutic category rather than a specific canonical target.

Other names

Cell surface thiolsExofacial protein thiolsRedox-sensitive surface proteinsThiol-disulfide oxidoreductases

Modulation of the redox state of exofacial thiols to inhibit viral entry, alter leukocyte adhesion, or induce apoptosis in malignant cells.