BDCA-4/CD304

BDCA-4 (CD304) is the BDCA designation for neuropilin-1, a receptor best known in neurobiology and vascular biology. Neuropilin-1 binds class 3 semaphorins through its extracellular a1/a2 domains and VEGF-A through the b1/b2 domains, functioning as a co-receptor that modulates NRP-associated plexins and VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases rather than signaling on its own. In immunology, CD304 together with BDCA-2 identifies human plasmacytoid dendritic cells, the principal interferon-producing cells. Tumor endothelium and various carcinomas also express the molecule, where it supports angiogenesis and VEGF-driven migration, and soluble neuropilin-1 in plasma has been proposed as an angiogenesis biomarker.