Natural killer cell receptor 2B4 (2B4/CD244)is a 66 kDa type I transmembrane glycoprotein in the SLAM subgroup of the CD2 protein family. SLAM family proteins have an extracellular domain (ECD) with two or four Ig-like domains and at least two cytoplasmic immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motifs (ITSMs). 2B4 interacts with CD48, while other SLAM family proteins interact in a homophilic manner. The mouse 2B4 cDNA encodes a 397 amino acid (aa) precursor that includes a 19 aa signal sequence, a 207 aa ECD with one Ig-like V-type and one C2-type Ig-like domain, a 21 aa transmembrane segment, and a 150 aa cytoplasmic domain with four ITSMs. Within the ECD, mouse 2B4 shares 46% and 68% aa sequence identity with human and rat 2B4, respectively. 2B4/CD48 signaling cooperates with other receptor systems to either promote or inhibit NK and CD8+ T cell activation. The inhibitory activities are distinct from those of MHC I restricted inhibitory NK cell receptors. Ligation of 2B4 with antibodies or CD48 constructs can directly trigger inhibitory signaling or disrupt an inhibitory interaction, leading to cellular activation. 2B4 can also induce signaling through CD48.

2B4 (CD244) is expressed by memory-phenotype CD8() T cells and all natural killer (NK) cells. The ligand for 2B4, CD48, is expressed on hematopoietic cells. 2B4 is conserved in humans and mice, and a number of reports have linked 2B4 with activation of lymphocytes.Engagement of 2B4 on NK cell surfaces with specific antibodies or CD48 can trigger cell mediated cytotoxicity, interferon γ secretion, phosphoinositol turnover and NK cell invasiveness.