LAIR-2 is a soluble receptor that shares 84% sequence homology with LAIR-1, another member of the LAIR family . Unlike LAIR-1, which is a membrane-bound receptor, LAIR-2 lacks a transmembrane and cytoplasmic region, indicating that it is secreted . The protein has a single immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domain and is expressed in various tissues, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) .
LAIR-2 functions as a natural competitor to LAIR-1 by binding to collagen molecules with high affinity . This binding is hydroxyproline-dependent, and LAIR-2 can inhibit the interaction between LAIR-1 and collagen . By doing so, LAIR-2 regulates the inhibitory potential of LAIR-1, which is known to inhibit immune cell function upon collagen binding . This regulatory mechanism is crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing excessive immune reactions or autoimmune diseases .
The expression of LAIR-2 has been observed in various clinical conditions. For instance, high levels of LAIR-2 have been detected in the urine of pregnant women and in the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis . These findings suggest that LAIR-2 may play a role in immune regulation during pregnancy and in inflammatory diseases .
Research on LAIR-2 has provided insights into its potential therapeutic applications. By understanding the mechanisms through which LAIR-2 regulates immune responses, scientists can develop strategies to modulate its activity for therapeutic purposes. For example, targeting LAIR-2 could be beneficial in treating autoimmune diseases or in enhancing immune responses against infections and tumors .