SLAMF6

SLAM family member 6 (SLAMF6), also known as KALI, NK-T-B-antigen (NTBA), CD352, KALIb, Ly108, NTB-A or SF2000, is a 60 kDa type I transmembrane protein that belongs to the CD2 subfamily of the immunoglobulin superfamily. This protein is expressed on the surface of all (resting and activated) natural killer cells (NK), T- and B-lymphocytes. Mature human SLAMF6 protein contains a 205-amino acid extracellular domain (ECD) with one Ig-like V-set and one Ig-like C2-set domain, a 21-amino acid transmembrane segment and an 84-amino acid cytoplasmic domain with two immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motifs (ITSMs).

This protein functions as a co-receptor in the process of NK cell activation and triggers cytolytic activity only in natural killer cells (NK) expressing high surface densities of natural cytotoxicity receptors. This protein undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation in the membrane proximal ITSM, enabling its specific association with SH2D1B (also known as EAT-2), thus mediating the cytotoxicity of NK cells. Phosphorylation-dependent SLAMF6 association with SH2D1A (also known as SAP) is required for the full production of IFN-gamma by NK cells. Moreover, it is reported that SLAMF6 protein is involved in maintaining B-cell tolerance in germinal centers and in preventing autoimmunity.

Gene ID: 114836
UniProt ID: Q96DU3