NLR Family, CARD Domain Containing Protein 3 (NLRC3)

CLR16.2 has a typical NBD-LRR configuration. Analysis of CLR16.2 suggests the highest expression among T lymphocytes. CLR16.2 was significantly down-regulated 6 h after anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 stimulation of primary T lymphocytes. Indeed CLR16.2 decreased NF-kappaB, NFAT, and AP-1 induction of reporter gene constructs in response to T cell activation by anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies or PMA and ionomycin. Following T cell stimulation, the presence of CLR16.2 reduced the levels of the endogenous transcripts for the IL-2 and CD25 proteins that are central in maintaining T cell activation and preventing T cell anergy. CLR16.2 serves to attenuate T cell activation via TCR and co-stimulatory molecules, and its reduction during T cell stimulation allows the ensuing cellular activation.