Anti-Folate Receptor 4 antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Folate Receptor 4 (FR4) also known as delta folate receptor is involved in the high-affinity binding and transport of folate and folate analogs across the cell membrane. Folate is an essential vitamin B9 derivative which cells use for important functions like DNA synthesis and repair. FR4 has a mass of approximately 30 kilodaltons. Researchers have found this receptor mainly on the surface of activated T cells which play an important role in the immune system.

Biological function summary

FR4 aids in the uptake of folate compounds necessary for cellular proliferation and survival. It is not generally part of a larger protein complex but it competes with other folate receptors like folate receptor alpha for binding to available folate molecules. The receptor’s function directly supports T cell activity and survival impacting immune responses.

Pathways

The folate receptor FR4 contributes to immune response pathways by ensuring an adequate supply of folate for T cells. It is a part of the broader folate metabolism pathway which also involves proteins such as dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) that further process folate for nucleic acid synthesis. This participation in folate metabolism supports not only primary cellular functions but also the specialized activity of immune cells.

Associated diseases and disorders

FR4 is notably associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis where abnormal expression levels have been observed in T cells. Also FR4 connects indirectly to cancer as altered folate metabolism can contribute to oncogenesis. Although it functions separately from proteins like thymidylate synthase which is directly involved in cancer proliferation both are part of the overall metabolic pathways impacting disease progression.