ITCH Proteins

ITCH is a HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligase of the NEDD4 family, recognizable by four WW domains that recruit PY-motif substrates and a catalytic HECT domain that forms the ubiquitin thioester. ITCH controls the stability of regulators in immunity and development, including the transcription factor JunB, Notch pathway components, GLI proteins, and T-cell signaling molecules such as PKC-theta, thereby enforcing peripheral tolerance and restraining inflammation. The spontaneous Itchy mouse, lacking functional ITCH, develops multiorgan autoimmune inflammation. Reduced or altered ITCH activity has been reported in human inflammatory and autoimmune disease, and in some cancers. Recombinant ITCH supports in vitro ubiquitination of PY-motif substrates.