Human Leukocyte Immunoglobulin Like Receptor A2 (LILRA2) Protein

Background

LILRA2, also known as Leukocyte Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor A2 (LILRA2) or CD85h, is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and part of the leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor (LILR) family. This receptor is encoded by the LILR gene cluster on chromosome 19q13.4, which is home to various immunoglobulin-like receptors involved in immune regulation. LILRA2 plays an activating role in immune response modulation and is predominantly expressed on monocytes, macrophages, and some other leukocyte subsets, such as granulocytes. It is essential in host defense, participating in immune responses to infections and modulating inflammation through cellular signaling pathways. The receptor interacts with a variety of ligands, likely including MHC class I molecules, which allows it to influence both innate and adaptive immunity. The immune-modulating role of LILRA2 makes it an essential subject of study in the context of immune responses and inflammation. Unlike other LILR members that may provide inhibitory signaling, LILRA2 is classified as an activating receptor, generally enhancing immune responses through its interaction with signaling adaptors that contain immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs). This activating function of LILRA2 contrasts with some members of the LILRB subfamily, which contain immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) and thus help suppress immune responses. Research has shown that aberrant expression or dysregulation of LILRA2 can contribute to inflammatory diseases, autoimmunity, and potentially cancer, making it a focal point for therapeutic interventions.