Background
This gene encodes a major histocompatibility complex, class II associated, type I transmembrane protein which belongs to the butyrophilin-like B7 family of immunoregulators. It is thought to be involved in immune surveillance, serving as a negative T-cell regulator by decreasing T-cell proliferation and cytokine release. The encoded protein contains an N-terminal signal peptide, two pairs of immunoglobulin-like domains, separated by a heptad peptide sequence, and a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Naturally occurring mutations in this gene are associated with sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, myositis, type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, acute coronary syndrome, and prostate cancer.