Background of the antigen
TSPEAR, also known as C21orf9, is a 669 amino acid secreted protein. Expressed as two isoforms produced by alternative splicing, TSPEAR contains one Thrombospondin N-terminal domain and seven EAR (epilepsy-associated repeat) domains. EAR domains are found in several proteins, including TSPEAR, encoded by genes that map within chromosome regions associated with seizure disorders. It is thought that the EAR domain plays a role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy by either binding to an unknown epileptic ligand or interfering with axon synaptogenesis.