Human SLAM Family Member 6 (SLAMF6) Protein

Background

SLAMF6 (Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family Member 6) is a surface receptor protein primarily expressed on cells of the immune system, including T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and dendritic cells. SLAMF6 is part of the SLAM family, which belongs to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily. SLAM receptors are involved in the regulation of immune responses and play a role in cellular communication during immune activation, regulation, and self-tolerance. SLAMF6 functions as a self-ligand, meaning it binds to another SLAMF6 molecule on an adjacent cell to mediate its effects, thus promoting homophilic interactions that help coordinate immune cell interactions and responses. SLAMF6 has a key role in modulating T cell and NK cell activation, helping maintain immune homeostasis and contributing to immune tolerance mechanisms. It achieves these functions by signaling through its intracellular tail, which contains motifs that interact with downstream signaling molecules, notably SAP (SLAM-associated protein). SAP is a critical adapter molecule that enables SLAMF6 to signal effectively in immune cells, primarily influencing pathways involved in cell activation, differentiation, and cytokine production.