CLL-1

CLL-1, also designated CLEC12A or MICL, is an inhibitory C-type lectin receptor carried on granulocytes, monocytes, dendritic cells, and, critically, on leukemia stem cells in most acute myeloid leukemia patients while being absent from normal hematopoietic stem cells. Its cytoplasmic ITIM recruits SHP-1/SHP-2 phosphatases to dampen myeloid activation, and its ligand remains unconfirmed. This stem-cell-restricted tumor expression has made CLL-1 a leading target for AML-directed CAR-T cells and bispecific antibodies, where sparing normal HSCs is essential. Recombinant CLL-1/CLEC12A protein is used to evaluate binding of CAR constructs and antibodies and to study inhibitory signaling in myeloid cells.