KLRC2

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that can mediate lysis of certain tumor cells and virus-infected cells without previous activation. They can also regulate specific humoral and cell-mediated immunity. NK cells preferentially express several calcium-dependent (C-type) lectins, which have been implicated in the regulation of NK cell function. The group, designated KLRC (NKG2) are expressed primarily in natural killer (NK) cells and encodes a family of transmembrane proteins characterized by a type II membrane orientation (extracellular C terminus) and the presence of a C-type lectin domain. The KLRC (NKG2) gene family is located within the NK complex, a region that contains several C-type lectin genes preferentially expressed on NK cells. KLRC2 alternative splice variants have been described but their full-length nature has not been determined.

Full Name

Killer Cell Lectin Like Receptor C2

Function

Immune activating receptor involved in self-nonself discrimination. In complex with KLRD1 on cytotoxic lymphocyte subsets, recognizes non-classical major histocompatibility (MHC) class Ib HLA-E loaded with signal sequence-derived peptides from non-classical MHC class Ib HLA-G molecules, likely playing a role in the generation and effector functions of adaptive natural killer (NK) cells and in maternal-fetal tolerance during pregnancy (PubMed:9754572, PubMed:30134159).
Regulates the effector functions of terminally differentiated cytotoxic lymphocyte subsets, and in particular may play a role in adaptive NK cell response to viral infection (PubMed:21825173, PubMed:20952657).
Upon HLA-E-peptide binding, transmits intracellular signals via the adapter protein TYROBP/DAP12, triggering the phosphorylation of proximal signaling molecules and cell activation (PubMed:9655483, PubMed:15940674).

Biological Process

Adaptive immune responseIEA:UniProtKB-KW
Cellular defense responseManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:ProtInc
Natural killer cell mediated immunityManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:UniProtKB
Positive regulation of natural killer cell degranulationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:UniProtKB
Positive regulation of natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicityManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:UniProtKB
Signal transductionManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:ProtInc
Stimulatory C-type lectin receptor signaling pathwayManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:UniProtKB

Cellular Location

Cell membrane

Topology

Cytoplasmic: 1-70
Helical: 71-93
Extracellular: 94-231