PILRA

PILRA (Paired Immunoglobulin Like Type 2 Receptor A) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PILRA gene. PILRA is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is a cell surface receptor that is expressed on hematopoietic cells.

Function

PILRA plays a crucial role in the regulation of immune responses. It is an inhibitory receptor that is involved in the negative regulation of natural killer cell and T-cell activation. PILRA binds to a variety of ligands, including viral and bacterial proteins, and can modulate immune responses to these pathogens.

Structure

The PILRA protein is a type I transmembrane protein that contains two extracellular immunoglobulin domains. The cytoplasmic tail of PILRA contains two immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs), which are involved in the inhibition of cellular responses.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the PILRA gene have been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, PILRA has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer, as it can inhibit the immune response against tumor cells.

Research

Research on PILRA is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in immune regulation and its potential as a target for immunotherapy in cancer and autoimmune diseases.

File:PILRA protein structure.jpg

Structure of the PILRA protein. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

See also

• Immunoglobulin superfamily
• Natural killer cell
• T-cell
• Autoimmune diseases
• Immunotherapy