C-Type Lectin Domain Family 12 Member A (CLEC12A)

C-Type Lectin Domain Family 12 Member A (CLEC12A), also known as CLL-1, is a type II transmembrane protein and member of the C-type lectin superfamily. Primarily expressed on myeloid lineage cells such as granulocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, CLEC12A functions as a negative regulator of immune cell activation. It contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) in its cytoplasmic tail, which recruits phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2 to dampen immune responses. CLEC12A recognizes endogenous danger signals like uric acid crystals and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Due to its restricted expression pattern on malignant myeloid cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), CLEC12A is being investigated as a target for immunotherapy, particularly CAR-T cell therapy, to selectively eliminate leukemic blasts while sparing healthy hematopoietic stem cells.

Other names

CLL-1MICLDCAL-2CD371

ITIM-mediated recruitment of phosphatases (SHP-1, SHP-2) to inhibit immune cell activation