The NKG2 family consists of multiple members, which can be categorized into activating and inhibitory receptors based on their functions.
(1) Activating receptors:
NKG2C, NKG2E, and NKG2H form heterodimers with CD94 and bind to HLA-E molecules, transmitting activating signals. Their primary function is to enhance the cytotoxicity of NK cells and promote cytokine secretion. NKG2D is the most important activating receptor in the NKG2 family. Its ligands include MICA, MICB, and the ULBP family of molecules, typically highly expressed on the surface of tumor cells or virus-infected cells. By recognizing these ligands, NKG2D activates the killing function of NK cells, making it a critical target in anti-tumor immunity.
(2) Inhibitory receptors:
NKG2A is an inhibitory receptor that forms heterodimers with CD94 and binds to HLA-E molecules. By transmitting inhibitory signals, NKG2A suppresses the activation of NK cells, preventing the misdirected killing of normal cells. In the tumor microenvironment, the high expression of NKG2A may lead to suppressed NK cell function, contributing to immune evasion by tumors.
The NKG2 family plays a pivotal role in the activation and inhibition of NK cells, making it an important target for research in tumor immunity, antiviral responses, and autoimmune diseases.
Genomeditech provides a variety of research tools related to the NKG2 target, including overexpression cell lines, functional cell lines, and antibodies. These resources comprehensively support the in vitro activity validation of related drugs, offering strong support for researchers in evaluating and optimizing drug development, and facilitating their application and translation in tumor immunotherapy.
