Transmembrane protein 176B (TMEM176B)

Transmembrane protein 176B (TMEM176B) is a member of the MS4A family and functions as an intracellular, acid-sensitive, non-specific cation channel, primarily localized to endosomal and phagosomal membranes[4][1]. It plays a critical role in the maturation and function of dendritic cells, regulation of endophagosomal pH, and supports V-ATPase activity vital for immune responses[4][10]. TMEM176B modulates T cell effector functions in the tumor microenvironment and is involved in inflammasome activation, myeloid cell development, and immune cell infiltration[2][4][6][8]. It has tumor-suppressive effects in ovarian cancer via inhibition of proliferation, metastasis, and EMT, acting partly through Wnt/β-catenin pathway blockade[3]. Additionally, TMEM176B serves as a promising biomarker for prognosis in cancer (especially melanoma) and severe respiratory viral infections, with enhanced expression linked to immune system activity and patient survival[2][6][8]. No approved drugs are reported to directly target TMEM176B, but its role in controlling immune responses and tumor progression makes it an emerging therapeutic target in immuno-oncology and infectious disease contexts[2][3][4][6][8].

Other names

TMEM176BLR8MS4B2protein LR8tolerance-related and induced transcript (TORID)

No approved drugs listed; mechanisms discussed relate to modulation of immune cell function and tumor growth.