VSTM5 (human):Fc (human) (rec.) (non-lytic)

The V-set and transmembrane domain-containing protein (VSTM) family is composed of 8 proteins: VSTM1v1, VSTM1v2, VSTM2a, VSTM2b, VSTM2L, VSTM3, VSTM4 and VSTM 5. Members of the VSTM family are associated with the regulation of functions of immune cells, adipose cells and neuronal cells. The VSTM family is an immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily that shares structural similarities with the B7-like transmembrane proteins involved in immune regulation. VSTM1 and VSTM4 play positive and negative roles in macrophage activation, respectively. VSTM3 (TIGIT) acts as a co-inhibitory receptor that suppresses the cytokine production of T cells and NK cells. V-set and transmembrane domain-containing protein 5 (Vstm5), a newly characterized small membrane glycoprotein highly expressed in the CNS, facilitates the formation of neuronal dendrites and protrusions such as dendritic filopodia. Regulatory roles of VSTM5 for in vitro and in vivo immune responses have been reported. VSTM5 functions as a novel immune checkpoint by regulating T cell proliferation and cytokine production, Treg generation by maintenance of T cell energy and possibly induction of T cell apoptosis.