Human Leukocyte-Associated Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor 2 (LAIR2) Protein

Background

Leukocyte Associated Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor 2 (LAIR2) is a soluble immunoregulatory protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. LAIR2 functions primarily as a natural inhibitor of immune activation by competing with its membrane-bound counterpart, LAIR1, for binding to collagens present in the extracellular matrix. This competitive binding prevents LAIR1-mediated inhibitory signaling on immune cells such as T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and dendritic cells, which are crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing excessive immune activation. LAIR2 is expressed predominantly in immune-related tissues, including the spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes, and its soluble nature allows it to circulate freely in the bloodstream, acting as a systemic modulator of collagen-induced immunosuppression. Dysregulated LAIR2 expression has been implicated in various pathological conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, where its elevated levels may counteract excessive immune inhibition, or in cancers, where it could interfere with tumor-induced immunosuppressive microenvironments. Therapeutically, LAIR2 has shown promise as a biomarker for immune dysregulation and as a potential agent in immunotherapy strategies aimed at mitigating immune suppression in cancers or promoting immune tolerance in autoimmune disorders. Its precise role and interactions with other immune checkpoints continue to be a subject of active research, with a focus on leveraging its properties for clinical applications in immune modulation.