NKp46, encoded by the NCR1 gene, is also known as lymphocyte antigen 94 homolog, NK cell activation receptor, natural killer cell p46-related protein, and CD335. It is a 46 kDa glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily and is frequently expressed on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Antibodies that activate NKp46 can induce not only the cytotoxic effects of NK cells but also the release of cytokines.
NKp46 interacts through its positively charged transmembrane domain with signaling adaptor proteins CD3ζ and Fc epsilon R1 gamma, which carry ITAMs (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs). These signaling proteins can form disulfide-linked homodimers and heterodimers, participating in the signal transduction process and enhancing the function of NK cells.
