KLRB1F/CD161f

KLRB1F/CD161f is a mouse member of the Klrb1 (CD161/NKR-P1) locus, which in rodents has expanded into a family of closely related lectin-like genes, in contrast to the single CD161 gene of humans. Like its paralogs, it encodes a type II transmembrane C-type lectin-like protein on NK cells and T-cell subsets and is predicted to engage MHC class Ib molecules of the Qa/CD1 family through its lectin-like domain, modulating NK-cell recognition. Because individual mouse CD161 members differ in expression and signaling potential, recombinant KLRB1F/CD161f is a valuable reagent for mapping this gene family, generating specific antibodies, and studying species differences in NK-cell receptor repertoires.