Human Natural Killer Cells Antigen CD94 (KLRD1) Protein

Background

Killer Cell Lectin-Like Receptor D1 (KLRD1), commonly known as CD94, is a transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in the immune system. Expressed on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells and certain subsets of T-cells, KLRD1 is primarily involved in recognizing and responding to infected or transformed cells. KLRD1 is part of the C-type lectin-like family of receptors, and its main function is to pair with other receptors (e.g., NKG2 family members) to mediate immune surveillance by recognizing peptide-loaded MHC class I molecules. Unlike other immune receptors that directly recognize pathogenic antigens, KLRD1 primarily regulates immune response through interaction with HLA-E, a non-classical MHC class I molecule presenting peptide sequences derived from other MHC class I molecules.