CD226
CD226, widely known as DNAM-1, is an activating immunoglobulin-superfamily receptor that contains three extracellular Ig-like domains and a cytoplasmic tail with docking motifs for the adaptors SLP-76 and GADS. It recognizes the ligands CD155 (PVR) and CD112 (Nectin-2), which are frequently up-regulated on tumor cells and activated endothelium. Upon ligand binding, CD226 delivers costimulatory signals that strengthen T cell and NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production, opposing the inhibitory receptors TIGIT and CD96 that share the same ligands. CD226 is expressed on most cytotoxic lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets, and contributes to antitumor and antiviral immunity. Recombinant CD226 serves as a tool for ligand-binding studies and immune-cell activation assays.
