Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 2 (NCR2) Protein

Background

Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 2 (NCR2), also known as NKp44, is an activating receptor on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are crucial components of the innate immune system, specializing in the recognition and destruction of abnormal cells, including tumor cells and virus-infected cells. Unlike other immune cells, such as T and B lymphocytes, which rely on antigen-specific receptors, NK cells use NCR2 and other activating receptors to identify stressed, infected, or transformed cells without prior sensitization. This unique ability enables NK cells to mount a rapid immune response. NCR2 is part of the NCR family, which also includes NCR1 (NKp46) and NCR3 (NKp30). These receptors, along with others like NKG2D, enable NK cells to recognize target cells that exhibit ligands associated with cellular stress or infection. NCR2 is specifically expressed on activated NK cells and is involved in both direct cytotoxicity and the secretion of cytokines and chemokines, amplifying the immune response. NCR2 plays an essential role in immune surveillance, contributing to the early detection and elimination of tumors and infection.