NKp44 (Natural Killer Cell p44-related Protein, Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 2, NK Cell Activating Receptor) (PE)

NKp44, along with NKp30 and NKp46, constitute a group of receptors termed "Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors" (NCR). These receptors are expressed almost exclusively by NK cells and play a major role in triggering NK-mediated killing of most tumor cell lines. No rodent ortholog to NKp44 has been identified. Human NKp44 is a 44kD type I transmembrane glycoprotein that is characterized by the presence of one extracellular V-like immunoglobulin domain. It is synthesized as a 276aa precursor that contains a 21aa signal sequence, a 171aa extracellular region, a 21aa transmembrane segment and a 63aa cytoplasmic tail. Alternate splicing in both the cytoplasmic tail and extracellular region generates multiple isoforms of unknown significance. The Ig-like region is unaffected. A physical association with the ITAM-bearing accessory protein, DAP12, occurs via a charged residue in the NKp44 transmembrane domain. Ligation of NKp44 with a specific antibody results in phosphorylation of DAP12 and activation of target cell lysis in a redirected killing assay. NKp44 is absent from resting NK cells but is upregulated upon activation with IL-2. Activation-induced expression occurs in the CD56dim CD16+ NK subset that accounts for more than 85% of NK cells found in peripheral blood and spleen, as well as the CD56bright CD16- NK subset that constitutes the majority of NK cells in lymph node and tonsil. Studies with neutralizing antibodies reveal that NKp44 is partially responsible for triggering lytic activity against several tumor cell types. Blocking any of the individual NCRs results in partial inhibition of tumor cell lysis, but nearly complete inhibition of lysis is observed if all three receptors are blocked simultaneously. NKp44 has also been implicated in recognition of virus-infected cells through its capacity to bind to viral hemagglutinins. Applications: Suitable for use in Flow Cytometry. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilutions: Flow Cytometry: 10ul labels 1x10e5 cells or 50ul packed whole blood Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4 degrees C before opening. DO NOT FREEZE! Stable at 4 degrees C as an undiluted liquid. Stable for 12 months at 4 degrees C. Freezing R-Phycoerythrin (PE) conjugates will result in a substantial loss of activity. PE conjugates are sensitive to light.