KLRD1
Description
The KLRD1 (killer cell lectin like receptor D1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
CD94 (Cluster of Differentiation 94), also known as killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily D, member 1 (KLRD1) is a human gene. The protein encoded by CD94 gene is a lectin, cluster of differentiation and a receptor that is involved in cell signaling and is expressed on the surface of natural killer cells in the innate immune system. CD94 pairs with the NKG2 molecule as a heterodimer. The CD94/NKG2 complex, on the surface of natural killer cells interacts with Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-E on target cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are a distinct lineage of lymphocytes that mediate cytotoxic activity and secrete cytokines upon immune stimulation. Several genes of the C-type lectin superfamily, including members of the NKG2 family, are expressed by NK cells and may be involved in the regulation of NK cell function. KLRD1 (CD94) is an antigen preferentially expressed on NK cells and is classified as a type II membrane protein because it has an external C terminus. KLRD1 has two alternatively spliced variants that differ in the presence or absence of exon 2 sequence. KLRD1 has been shown to interact with KLRC2.
KLRD1, also known as CD94, is an immune receptor involved in distinguishing self from non-self. It forms complexes with KLRC1 or KLRC2 on cytotoxic and regulatory lymphocyte subsets. These complexes recognize HLA-E, a non-classical MHC class Ib molecule, which is loaded with self-peptides derived from the signal sequences of classical MHC class Ia and non-classical MHC class Ib molecules. This recognition allows cytotoxic cells to monitor the expression of MHC class I molecules in healthy cells and tolerate self. KLRD1 primarily functions as a ligand-binding subunit, lacking the ability to signal directly.
KLRD1 is also known as CD94.
