SLAM family member 6 (SLAMF6) (SLAMF6)

SLAM family member 6 (SLAMF6), also known as NTB-A (NK-T-B-antigen), is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule (SLAM) family within the immunoglobulin superfamily (UniProt Q96DU3). It is primarily expressed on the surface of various immune cells, including Natural Killer (NK) cells, T cells, and B cells, where it functions as a homophilic adhesion molecule (NCBI Gene 114836). Upon activation through self-binding, SLAMF6 recruits SH2-domain-containing adapter proteins like SAP or EAT-2 to modulate immune cell signaling, typically promoting NK cell cytotoxicity and T cell cytokine production (PMID: 11753236). In the context of disease, SLAMF6 is highly overexpressed in hematological malignancies, particularly multiple myeloma and certain lymphomas, making it an attractive target for immunotherapy (PMID: 28811334). Additionally, dysregulation of SLAMF6 signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (PMID: 30104354). Therapeutic strategies targeting SLAMF6 include monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) like SGN-SLAMF6, designed to induce direct cell death or enhance anti-tumor immune responses, though challenges remain regarding potential off-target effects on healthy lymphocyte populations.

Other names

NTB-ANK-T-B-antigenCD352Ly108KALISF2000

Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) mediated cytotoxicity, Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), Modulation of homophilic signaling