Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus protein G (Ly6G)

Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus protein G (Ly6G) is a 21-25 kDa glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface protein that belongs to the Ly6/uPAR family (UniProt: P35461). It is predominantly expressed on mature myeloid cells in mice, serving as a definitive marker for neutrophils and granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs) (PubMed: 23475233). While its exact physiological ligand remains poorly defined, Ly6G is known to modulate neutrophil adhesion and migration to sites of inflammation (PubMed: 22434870). In preclinical research, Ly6G is a primary target for antibody-mediated cell depletion using clones such as 1A8, which allows for the functional study of neutrophils in various disease states including cancer, sepsis, and autoimmune disorders (PubMed: 21422471). Although a direct human ortholog has not been identified, Ly6G remains a critical tool for understanding the role of the innate immune system in the tumor microenvironment and systemic inflammation (PubMed: 18390720). Targeting this protein provides insights into how neutrophil recruitment and activation contribute to tissue damage or immune suppression (PubMed: 25232498).

Other names

Ly-6GGr-1Gr1Ly6gLymphocyte antigen 6G

Antibody-mediated depletion of Ly6G-expressing cells via Fc-dependent mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) (PubMed: 23475233).