Tetherin also known as bone marrow stromal antigen 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BST2 gene. Bone marrow stromal cells are involved in the growth and development of B-cells. The specific function of the protein encoded by the bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 is undetermined; however, this protein may play a role in pre-B-cell growth and in rheumatoid arthritis. [provided by RefSeq]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
May be involved in the sorting of secreted proteins (By similarity). May be involved in pre-B-cell growth. Antiretroviral defense protein, that blocks release of enveloped virus from the cell surface. Active against at least four virus families: retroviruses, filoviruses, arenaviruses, and herpesviruses. Depleted unpon HIV-1 infection by viral VPU protein through 20S proteasome degradation. Depleted upon infection by human Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) through ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. May play a role in B-cell activation in rheumatoid arthritis.