BEACH domain-containing proteins: emerging roles in hematopoiesis and immune homeostasis

BEACH-domain-containing proteins (BDCPs) are large scaffolding proteins that regulate vesicle trafficking, autophagy, and granule biogenesis. This review synthesizes recent mechanistic and clinical advances defining BDCP functions in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) biology, immune regulation, and platelet function, highlighting relevance to human disease.

Although BDCPs were initially linked to lineage-restricted hematopoietic disorders such as Chediak-Higashi syndrome and Gray platelet syndrome (GPS), emerging evidence demonstrates broader roles for BDCPs including NBEA, LRBA, LYST, and NBEAL2 in HSPC maintenance, receptor trafficking, and lineage specification. NBEA regulates NOTCH receptor turnover in HSPCs, linking vesicle dynamics to stem cell fate decisions. Recent studies provide mechanistic insights on how LRBA controls autophagy and CTLA-4 recycling, informing abatacept therapy; how NBEAL2 governs platelet α-granule biogenesis and immune homeostasis in GPS; and how LYST regulates lysosomal size and granule maturation in myeloid cells. Additionally, WDFY3, WDFY4, and WDR81 emerge as regulators of autophagy, antigen presentation, and inflammatory signaling.

Collectively, BDCPs integrate vesicle trafficking, autophagy, and receptor homeostasis to coordinate hematopoietic development and immune function. Their dysfunction underlies immunological, hematologic, and inflammatory disorders, positioning BDCPs as promising translational targets.