KLRD1

KLRD1 encodes the CD94 protein, a C-type lectin-like receptor primarily expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and subsets of T cells. It forms heterodimers with NKG2 family members (e.g., NKG2A, NKG2C) to regulate NK cell cytotoxicity. As an inhibitory receptor, CD94/NKG2A recognizes HLA-E, delivering inhibitory signals via immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) to prevent autoimmunity.
Aberrant KLRD1 expression correlates with impaired NK cell function in cancers like leukemia and melanoma. Its role in immune surveillance makes it a potential target for immunotherapies. Preclinical studies explore anti-CD94 antibodies to block inhibitory signaling, enhancing NK cell-mediated tumor killing, though clinical development remains in early stages.