NKG2C

Human NKG2C (NK cell Group 2 isoform C; Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily C, member 2) is a member of the C-type lectin-like superfamily of proteins. NKG2C plays a role as a receptor for the recognition of MHC class I HLA-E molecules by NK cells and some cytotoxic T-cells. The CD94/NKG2C killer lectin-like receptor (KLR) specific for HLA-E is coupled to the KARAP/DAP12 adapter in a subset of NK cells, triggering their effector functions. CD94/NKG2C may operate as an alternative activation pathway for a subset of CD8+ T lymphocytes, triggering their effector functions and proliferation upon specific ligand engagement.