CD200

CD200 (OX-2 membrane glycoprotein) is an immunoglobulin superfamily glycoprotein that functions as a purely inhibitory ligand, lacking any cytoplasmic signaling motifs of its own. CD200 is a 41-47 kDa type I transmembrane protein with two extracellular Ig-like domains, broadly expressed on neurons, epithelial and endothelial cells, lymphocytes (particularly B cells), follicular dendritic cells, thymocytes and trophoblasts. Its receptor CD200R, restricted to myeloid lineage cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, mast cells) and certain lymphocytes (Tregs, NK cells), carries cytoplasmic NPXY motifs that recruit Dok2-RasGAP to dampen ERK and PI3K signaling. Through this ligand-receptor pair, CD200 imposes basal immune restraint: it limits neuroinflammation (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, arthritis), suppresses transplant rejection, sustains maternal-fetal tolerance and dampens allergic airway inflammation. Tumors and viruses (herpesviruses encode CD200 homologues) exploit CD200-mediated tolerance for immune evasion; conversely, CD200 agonism is explored for autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease.