IgSF

IgSF

The Immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) is a large protein superfamily of cell surface and soluble proteins that are involved in the recognition, binding, or adhesion processes of cells. Molecules are categorized as members of this superfamily based on shared structural features with immunoglobulins (also known as antibodies); they all possess a domain known as an immunoglobulin domain or fold.

Structure

Members of the IgSF are characterized by having one or more units of a roughly 110 amino acid domain sharing the immunoglobulin fold, which is a sandwich-like structure formed by two sheets of antiparallel beta strands. The immunoglobulin fold is a common protein folding pattern in the molecular evolution of proteins.

Function

Proteins of the IgSF are involved in a variety of functions, including cell-cell recognition, cell-surface receptors, muscle structure and the immune system. The importance of these functions makes the IgSF critical to a wide range of biological activities and processes.

Members

The IgSF includes a variety of types of proteins, including many of the molecules known to be involved in the immune response, such as antibodies and T cell receptors, as well as many other types of proteins involved in processes such as cell adhesion, cell signaling, and muscle contraction.

See also

• Immunoglobulin domain
• Protein superfamily
• Cell adhesion
• Cell signaling
• Muscle contraction

References

IgSF Resources
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