MEGVHRKPSF LALPGHLVKS EETVILQCWS DVMFEHFLLH REGKFNNTLH LIGEHHDGVS KANFSIGPMM PVLAGTYRCY GSVPHSPYQL SAPSDPLDMV IIGLYEKPSL SAQPGPTVQA GENVTLSCSS RSSYDMYHLS REGEAHERRL PAVRSINGTF QADFPLGPAT HGGTYRCFGS FRDAPYEWSN SSDPLLVSVT GN.
Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptors (KIRs) are a family of type I transmembrane glycoproteins expressed on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells and a subset of T cells. These receptors play a crucial role in the regulation of the immune response by interacting with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. Among the KIR family, KIR2DS4 is a notable member due to its unique structure and function.
KIR2DS4, also known as Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor, Two Domains, Short Cytoplasmic Tail, 4, is a protein-coding gene. The KIR proteins are classified based on the number of extracellular immunoglobulin domains (2D or 3D) and the length of their cytoplasmic tail (short or long). KIR2DS4 has two extracellular immunoglobulin domains and a short cytoplasmic tail, which lacks the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) that is present in KIR proteins with long cytoplasmic tails .
The absence of ITIM in KIR2DS4 means that it does not transduce inhibitory signals. Instead, it associates with the TYRO protein tyrosine kinase binding protein to transduce activating signals. This makes KIR2DS4 an activating receptor, which plays a role in the activation of NK cells and the subsequent immune response .
The KIR genes are located in a cluster on chromosome 19q13.4 within the leukocyte receptor complex (LRC). This region is highly polymorphic, and the gene content of the KIR cluster varies among different haplotypes. Despite this variability, several “framework” genes, including KIR3DL3, KIR3DP1, KIR3DL4, and KIR3DL2, are found in all haplotypes .
KIR2DS4 has been associated with various diseases due to its role in immune regulation. For instance, it has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, where the presence of KIR2DS4 may influence the severity and progression of the disease. Additionally, KIR2DS4 has been implicated in the immune response to viral infections and cancer .
Recombinant human KIR2DS4 is a laboratory-produced version of the natural KIR2DS4 protein. It is used in research to study the function of KIR2DS4 and its interactions with other molecules. By using recombinant proteins, scientists can better understand the role of KIR2DS4 in the immune system and its potential as a therapeutic target .