Recombinant Human NKG2E protein (denatured)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

NKG2E also known as KLRC3 is a protein involved in immune response regulation. It belongs to the killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily K (NKG2) and has a predicted mass of approximately 25 kDa. NKG2E is primarily expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and some T cell subsets. This expression is important for these cells' ability to recognize and eliminate infected or malignant cells. NKG2E operates through interactions with other proteins and may form complexes to mediate immune signaling.

Biological function summary

NKG2E interacts with other components on cellular surfaces to play a role in activating immune cell responses. It often forms complexes with the adapter protein DAP12 which contains immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs). This interaction leads to the triggering of downstream signaling cascades upon recognition of stress-induced ligands on infected or tumor cells. The result is increased cytotoxicity and cytokine production which contribute to immune surveillance.

Pathways

NKG2E is significant in immune checkpoint pathways that regulate the balance between immune activation and tolerance. It is linked with the Natural Killer cell mediated cytotoxicity pathway and interacts with HLA class I ligands. NKG2E's association with other proteins such as NKG2D and CD94 exists within these pathways serving to modulate the activation threshold and function of NK cells and certain T cells therefore maintaining immune homeostasis.

NKG2E shows connections to cancer and viral infections where immune evasion mechanisms need counteracting. Tumor cells sometimes alter the expression of ligands that engage NKG2E influencing the effectiveness of NK cell surveillance. In viral infections NKG2E's role in recognizing stress-induced ligands supports defense against pathogens like cytomegalovirus (CMV). The protein's connection with the adapter protein DAP12 is instrumental in these immune responses and may highlight potential therapeutic strategies targeting immune modulation.