Natural Killer Cell Receptor

Natural killer (NK) cell receptors are a diverse group of cell surface proteins expressed on NK cells, which are cytotoxic lymphocytes critical to the innate immune system. These receptors regulate NK cell activity by integrating signals from both activating and inhibitory pathways, enabling NK cells to distinguish between healthy self-cells and abnormal or infected target cells. Key families include KIRs, CD94/NKG2, and NCRs. They are crucial for immune surveillance, anti-tumor and anti-viral responses.

Other names

NK Cell ReceptorKIRsCD94/NKG2 familyNKG2DNCRsNKp30NKp44Ly49CD16/FcγRIIIa

Modulation of NK cell activation and inhibition through receptor engagement and downstream signaling cascades.