C-Type Lectin Domain Family 4, Member B (CLEC4B)

DCAR is a type II transmembrane protein belonging to the C-type lectin domain family and is designated CLEC4B. Two isoforms of DCAR exist: the 209 amino acid (aa) alpha isoform and the 176 aa form with a 33 aa deletion at the membrane proximal region of the extracellular domain. Among the CLEC genes, two well supported monophyletic clades of orthologous lineages can be recognized, the CLEC4 clade composed of the CLEC4A-E and CLEC4N genes and the CLEC2 clade containing the CLEC2A, CLEC2B, CLEC2D, and CD69 genes. Other monophyletic clades, admittedly not well supported, are the CLEC1 clade composed of the CLEC1A-D genes and possibly also the CLEC7A and OLR1 genes; and the KLRB/F clade containing the KLRB1, KLRF1, and KLRF2 genes. The CLEC4 clade encompasses all the group II CLSF genes of the NKC; all the other clades contain group V CLSF genes.