Src Homology 3 domain of the p40phox subunit of NADPH oxidase
p40phox, also called Neutrophil cytosol factor 4 (NCF-4), is a cytosolic subunit of the phagocytic NADPH oxidase complex (also called Nox2 or gp91phox) which plays a crucial role in the cellular response to bacterial infection. NADPH oxidase catalyzes the transfer of electrons from NADPH to oxygen during phagocytosis forming superoxide and reactive oxygen species. p40phox positively regulates NADPH oxidase in both phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI3P)-dependent and PI3P-independent manner. It contains an N-terminal PX domain, a central SH3 domain, and a C-terminal PB1 domain that interacts with p67phox. The SH3 domain of p40phox binds to canonical polyproline and noncanonical motifs at the C-terminus of p47phox. SH3 domains are protein interaction domains that bind to proline-rich ligands with moderate affinity and selectivity, preferentially to PxxP motifs. They play versatile and diverse roles in the cell including the regulation of enzymes, changing the subcellular localization of signaling pathway components, and mediating the formation of multiprotein complex assemblies.