Natural killer cell-activating receptor NKp46 (NKp46)

NKp46 is a crucial activating receptor on natural killer (NK) cells, facilitating the lysis of tumor and virus-infected cells by binding specific ligands. It consists of two C2-type Ig-like domains and plays a significant role in antitumor immunity and responses to viral infections. This receptor is part of the immunoglobulin superfamily and lacks an intrinsic ITAM but transduces signals by associating with ITAM-containing adapters. NKp46 is expressed on NK cells and certain subsets of innate lymphoid cells and T cells, contributing to both innate and adaptive immunity. Its role in recognizing and killing target cells makes it a significant component in cancer and infection therapies.

Other names

NCR1CD335

NKp46 activates NK cell activity through association with ITAM-containing signaling molecules like CD3ζ or FcRγ, leading to the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues and subsequent signal transduction[2][3].