Rat Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 1 (NCR1) Protein

Background

Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 1 (NCR1), also known as NKp46 (Natural Killer Protein 46), is a type of activating receptor expressed predominantly on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells, a subset of lymphocytes that play an essential role in the immune system’s ability to recognize and eliminate infected or malignant cells. NCR1 is a critical component of the innate immune response, directly mediating NK cell cytotoxic activity. Unlike T and B cells that recognize specific antigens via receptors undergoing somatic recombination, NK cells use NCR1 and other natural cytotoxicity receptors to identify and kill target cells with stress-induced ligands or aberrant protein expression indicative of infection or transformation. NCR1 interacts with a wide range of ligands, including viral proteins, bacterial components, and tumor-associated antigens, making it essential for defense against pathogens and cancer cells. This receptor operates independently of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction, allowing it to respond quickly and efficiently to abnormal cells in the body. NCR1 is part of the natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) family, which also includes NCR2 (NKp44) and NCR3 (NKp30), and works in concert with other activating receptors like NKG2D to promote NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.