BST2 Gene (Tetherin): Function, Expression, and Disease Associations

BST2 (Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Antigen 2), also known as tetherin or CD317, is a type II transmembrane protein encoded by the BST2 gene located on chromosome 19p13.2. It is a lipid raft-associated protein with a unique topology: an N-terminal cytoplasmic domain, a transmembrane region, an extracellular coiled-coil domain, and a C-terminal glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. BST2 is constitutively expressed on the surface of various cells, including bone marrow stromal cells, plasma cells, and certain epithelial cells. Its primary well-characterized function is to restrict the release of enveloped viruses, such as HIV-1, by tethering budding virions to the cell membrane. Additionally, BST2 is involved in immune modulation, cell signaling, and has been implicated in cancer progression and prognosis.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• Innate Immune System

• Interferon Signaling

• Viral Restriction

• HIV Life Cycle

BST2 is a 30-36 kDa type II transmembrane glycoprotein with a unique topology: an N-terminal cytoplasmic tail, a transmembrane domain, an extracellular coiled-coil domain, and a C-terminal GPI anchor. It forms homodimers via disulfide bonds in the extracellular domain. BST2 is constitutively expressed on the surface of bone marrow stromal cells, plasma cells, and various epithelial cells, and is strongly induced by type I interferons. Its primary function is to restrict the release of enveloped viruses by physically tethering budding virions to the cell membrane, thereby preventing viral spread. BST2 also plays roles in immune cell activation, B-cell development, and cancer progression. It is a target for antibody-based therapies in multiple myeloma.