CD244 Protein

Background

CD244, also known as 2B4, is a receptor primarily expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and subsets of T cells. CD244 is encoded by the CD244 gene and belongs to the Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule (SLAM) family within the immunoglobulin superfamily. This receptor plays a key role in immune regulation, functioning as a modulator of cytotoxic responses against infected or malignant cells. CD244 interacts with its ligand, CD48, a widely expressed protein found on hematopoietic cells, allowing it to mediate immune surveillance and inflammatory responses. CD244 has gained significant attention due to its dual role as an activating and inhibitory receptor on immune cells, where its function depends largely on the cellular context and specific signal cascades involved. Unlike many receptors that have a straightforward activating or inhibitory role, CD244 is unique in its ability to modulate immune responses through varying interactions with different proteins in NK cells and T cells.