V-set domain-containing T-cell activation inhibitor 1, also known as B7X, B7H4, B7S1, and VTCN1, is a single-pass type? membrane protein belonging to the B7 family of costimulatory proteins. These proteins are expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells and interact with ligands on T lymphocytes. They provide costimulatory signals that regulate T cell responses. A soluble form of B7H4 has also been detected. B7X / VTCN1 / B7H4 negatively regulates T-cell-mediated immune response by inhibiting T-cell activation, proliferation, cytokine production and development of cytotoxicity. When expressed on the cell surface of tumor macrophages, B7X / VTCN1 / B7H4 plays an important role, together with regulatory T-cells(Treg), in the suppression of tumor-associated antigen-specific T-cell immunity. B7X / VTCN1 / B7H4 is also involved in promoting epithelial cell transformation. This membrane protein can be up-regulated by IL6 / interleukin-6 and IL1 / interleukin-1 and inhibited by CSF2 / GM-CSF and IL4 / interleukin-4 on antigen-presenting cells.
