C1qL4 Activators

Complement Component 1q Like 4 (C1QL4) is a protein that's encoded by the C1QL4 gene in humans. It belongs to the C1q family, which is part of the complement system, a crucial component of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens and damaged cells from the organism.C1q proteins, including C1QL4, are characterized by a globular C1q (gC1q) domain, which is involved in various protein-protein interactions. While the classical role of C1q proteins is in the activation of the complement system, many family members, including C1QL4, are not associated with the complement pathway but have other functions.

The exact function of C1QL4 is not fully known, but it is thought to play a role in neuronal function due to its expression pattern. Like other C1q family members, C1QL4 is expressed in the central nervous system, suggesting a role in synaptic connectivity, neuronal survival, or neurodevelopment.Research has shown that C1q proteins can bind to various receptors on the cell surface, influencing cellular activities such as migration, adhesion, and proliferation. Therefore, C1QL4 might influence these processes, particularly in the nervous system.The role of C1QL4 in disease is not well understood. However, given the roles of other C1q family proteins in neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases, it is plausible that C1QL4 could be implicated in neurological disorders.