BTN1A1
Description
The BTN1A1 (butyrophilin subfamily 1 member A1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 6.
BTN1A1 encodes a protein called butyrophilin subfamily 1 member A1. This protein is found primarily in milk fat droplets and is part of the immunoglobulin superfamily. It likely functions as a cell surface receptor. The BTN1A1 gene is located in the MHC class I region of chromosome 6, and its structure suggests it evolved relatively recently through the combination of genetic material from two ancestral gene families. BTN1A1 regulates the amount and size of fat droplets in milk. In mice, disruptions to this gene lead to high mortality rates and significant weight deficiencies in pups. BTN1A1 has been suggested as a potential trigger for multiple sclerosis. Its similarity to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), an important component of the myelin sheath, could cause the immune system to mistakenly attack myelin. Research in Germany using high doses of butyrophilin in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis, has shown that this strategy can induce immune tolerance and reduce disease severity.
BTN1A1 is also known as BT, BTN, BTN1.
