SLAM family member 8 (SLAMF8) is a single-pass type I membrane protein and contains 1 Ig-like C2-type domain. SLAMF8 is a member of the CD2 family of cell surface proteins involved in lymphocyte activation. These proteins are characterized by Ig domains and studies of a similar protein in mouse suggest that it may function during B cell lineage commitment. SLAMF8 is expressed in lymph node, spleen, thymus and bone marrow. It may play a role in B-lineage commitment and/or modulation of signaling through the B-cell receptor.

The signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family includes homophilic and heterophilic receptors that modulate both adaptive and innate immune responses. These receptors share a common ectodomain organization: a membrane-proximal immunoglobulin constant domain and a membrane-distal immunoglobulin variable domain that is responsible for ligand recognition. SLAM family of receptors is expressed by a wide range of immune cells. Through their cytoplasmic domain, SLAM family receptors associate with SLAM-associated protein (SAP)-related molecules, a group of cytoplasmic adaptors composed almost exclusively of an SRC homology 2 domain. SLAM family receptors, in association with SAP family adaptors, have crucial roles during normal immune reactions in innate and adaptive immune cells.Mouse SLAM family member 8, also known as B-lymphocyte activator macrophage expressed, BCM-like membrane protein, SLAMF8 and BLAME, is a single-pass type I membrane protein. It contains one Ig-like C2-type (immunoglobulin-like) domain. SLAMF8 / BLAME is expressed in lymph node, spleen, thymus and bone marrow. It may play a role in B-lineage commitment and/or modulation of signaling through the B-cell receptor.