CD160 receptor (transmembrane isoform) (CD160-TM)

CD160 is a cell surface glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, primarily expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and specific subsets of cytotoxic T cells (UniProt O95971). The CD160-TM isoform is a transmembrane variant produced by alternative splicing of the CD160 gene, which distinguishes it from the more common glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored form (Giustiniani et al., 2009). While the GPI-anchored CD160 can act as an inhibitory or costimulatory receptor depending on its ligand, such as HLA-C or HVEM, CD160-TM is characterized as a potent activating receptor that triggers NK cell cytotoxicity and interferon-gamma production (Le Bouteiller et al., 2011). In the context of oncology, CD160-TM is a target of interest for enhancing anti-tumor immunity, as its activation can overcome immune exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment (Liu et al., 2019). Research into therapeutic antibodies targeting CD160-TM aims to leverage its role in innate and adaptive immune responses to treat various cancers and chronic infections.

Other names

BY55NK1NK28CD160 transmembrane isoformCD160 antigen

Agonistic activation of the CD160-TM receptor to stimulate natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production.