Regulation of Immune Cell Functions through Nectin and Nectin-Like Receptors

Nectin and nectin-like molecules (necls) are important regulators of intercellular junctions and tissue morphogenesis. In addition, several members from this family exert immunoregulatory functions by their interactions with receptors expressed at the cell surface of immune cells. These receptors binding nectin and necls proteins include DNAM-1 (CD226, TLiSA-1, PTA1), CD96 (TACTILE), TIGIT (WUCAM, VSTM3), and CRTAM and were shown to impact the functions of diverse immune cell types including natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and T lymphocytes. In this article, we will review the most recent knowledge concerning the biochemistry and the signaling of these receptors. We will discuss their specific role in the biology of NK cells, antigen-presenting cells, and T lymphocytes. In addition, we will examine the pathological implication of these receptors and their potential therapeutic application in cancer, infectious disease, and autoimmunity