NK-tumor recognition protein (NKTR)

NK-tumor recognition protein (NKTR) is a membrane-anchored protein encoded by the NKTR gene, characterized by a hydrophobic N-terminal domain and a cyclophilin-like peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase domain[5]. It is present on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells, where it facilitates their binding to target cells, an essential step in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. NKTR expression is upregulated by interleukin-2 activation, emphasizing its role in immune regulation. While the protein participates in the recognition and elimination of tumor and virus-infected cells, there is limited direct evidence implicating NKTR as a therapeutic target or biomarker; much more research has focused on broader families of NK cell receptors (such as KIRs, NKG2D, and NCRs)[1][2][3][4]. NKTR’s molecular function is associated with immune surveillance, innate immunity, and modulation of NK cell-target interactions.

Other names

NK-tumor recognition proteinNKTRNK-TR proteinPeptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NKTRNatural-killer cells cyclophilin-related proteinRotamaseCypNKp104PPIase