SLAMF7 gene

The SLAMF7 gene (SLAMF7 stands for: Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule member 7) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1q23.3.

The protein encoded by the SLAMF7 gene, a self-ligand receptor of the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family, enables identical protein binding activity. The receptor protein is involved in the activation of T cells and the immune response and is located in the endoplasmic reticulum of the cell. Associated signaling pathways include the innate immune system and class I MHC-mediated antigen processing and presentation. An important paralog of this gene is CD84.

Isoform 1 mediates NK cell activation via an SH2D1A-independent, ERK-mediated pathway regulated by extracellular signals (Bouchon A et al. 2001). The SLAMF7 receptor protein positively regulates NK cell functions through a mechanism that depends on phosphorylated SH2D1B. PLCG1, PLCG2 and PI3K are involved in downstream signaling (Tassi I et al. 2005). However, in the absence of SH2D1B, it inhibits NK cell function. Also has an inhibitory effect on T cells. May play a role in lymphocyte adhesion and negatively regulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-activated monocytes (Kim JR et al. 2013).

Isoform 3 does not mediate NK cell activation.

1. Bouchon A et al. (2001) Activation of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity by a SAP-independent receptor of the CD2 family. J Immunol 167:5517-5521.
2. Tassi I et al. (2005) The cytotoxicity receptor CRACC (CS-1) recruits EAT-2 and activates the PI3K and phospholipase Cgamma signaling pathways in human NK cells. J Immunol 175:7996-8002.
3. Kim JR et al. (2013) CS1 (SLAMF7) inhibits production of proinflammatory cytokines by activated monocytes. Inflamm Res 62:765-772.