NKG2-C type II integral membrane proteinorNKG2C is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KLRC2 gene.[3][4] It is also known as or cluster of differentiation 159c (CD159c).
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.[4]
KLRC2 has been shown to interact and form dimers with CD94.[5][6] The CD94/NKG2C heterodimer can bind to HLA-E[7][8] and this binding leads to NK cells activation.
During infection with human cytomegalovirus, peptides derived from the virus are presented on HLA-E and natural killer cells that express the CD94/NKG2C receptor can specifically recognise the virus peptides. This recognition leads to activation, expansion, and differentiation of adaptive NK cells.[9]
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.
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