Cloning and sequence analysis of human butyrophilin reveals a potential receptor function

Human butyrophilin was cloned and sequenced from a human breast cDNA library. The derived amino acid sequence shows 84% sequence identity and identical domain arrangements with the previously reported bovine sequence. Sequence analysis reveals an immunoglobulin constant (IgC) domain that was not previously identified in the bovine sequence. The extracellular domain composition of butyrophilin suggests a cell surface receptor function.