Background of the antigen
Reg IV is part of the regenerating gene family within the C-type lectin superfamily. This family is involved in liver, pancreatic, gastric and intestinal cell proliferation and differentiation. Reg IV is a 158-amino acid secretory protein implicated in cell regeneration and/or survival with a definite growth stimulating effect on pancreatic beta cells. It is highly expressed in colorectal, gastric, prostate and other types of cancer. Reg IV-positive tumor cells display different phenotypes including mucus-secreting, enterocyte-like, and undifferentiated.