Caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9 (CARD9)

Caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9 (CARD9) is an adapter protein involved in innate and adaptive immunity. Highly expressed in myeloid cells, CARD9 transduces signals from pattern recognition receptors (e.g., C-type lectin receptors) to activate NF-κB and mediate pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Homozygous mutations in CARD9 lead to a marked susceptibility to fungal infections due to impaired innate immune responses. CARD9 also plays roles in inflammation and may contribute to cancer progression, notably acting as an independent prognostic marker in lung adenocarcinoma. As a scaffold protein, CARD9 interacts with other CARD domain-containing proteins to assemble signaling complexes, modulating host defense and immune cell activation.

Other names

CARD9Caspase recruitment domain family member 9

Modulation of inflammatory signaling; drugs aiming at CARD9 could interfere with signal transduction pathways downstream of pattern recognition receptors, thus impacting NF-κB activation, cytokine production, and immune cell function