Linker for activation of T cells family member 2 (LAT2)

Linker for activation of T cells family member 2 (LAT2), also known as SLC7A8, LAB, NTAL, and other aliases, refers primarily to two distinct biological entities based on context: (1) an amino acid transporter protein of the solute carrier family 7 member 8 (SLC7A8), functioning as a heterodimer with 4F2hc (SLC3A2) and mediating the transport of neutral amino acids and thyroid hormones across cell membranes, and (2) a transmembrane adaptor protein (also called NTAL/LAB) involved in immune cell signaling, particularly within B cells, mast cells, and other hematopoietic lineages[1][3][5][7]. As a transporter, LAT2 is essential for nutrient exchange, homeostasis, and metabolic processes in multiple tissues, and dysfunction or altered expression has been linked to cancer metabolism and microvascular protection in diabetic retinopathy[2][3][4][6]. As an adaptor/scaffolding protein, LAT2 participates in the assembly of signal transduction complexes after receptor activation, modulating both adaptive and innate immune responses and tempering high-affinity IgE (FcεRI)-mediated reactions[5][7]. **Important note:** The term "LAT2" can refer to: - SLC7A8 (an amino acid transporter, also known as L-type amino acid transporter 2) - A transmembrane adaptor protein (NTAL/LAB, official gene symbol: LAT2) These are discrete, unrelated proteins with non-overlapping gene loci and distinct functions: the amino acid transporter is not related (structurally or genetically) to NTAL/LAB, despite the overlapping abbreviation[1][3][5][7].

Other names

Linker for activation of B cellsNon-T cell activation linkerNTALLABWilliams-Beuren syndrome chromosomal region 15 protein (WBSCR15)Williams-Beuren syndrome chromosomal region 5 protein (WBSCR5)HSPC046Membrane-associated adapter moleculeWSCR5

Amino acid transport inhibition (e.g., LAT inhibitor reduces CD47 expression by inhibiting amino acid uptake); Indirect immune modulation (potential immunomodulation via amino acid availability/signaling complex assembly)