Fine-tuning of immune responses by SLAM-related receptors

The modulation of antigen receptor signals is important for a productive immune response. The main function of the recently identified members of the signaling lymphocyte activating molecule (SLAM)-related receptors (SRR) is the fine-tuning of immune cell activation. Disruption of SRR function is the cause for severe immune disorders such as X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP), where XLP patients carry a mutation in SLAM-associated protein (SAP) (SH2D1A), an important adaptor molecule for the signal transduction of SRR. Recent data also suggest that SRR may play a role in autoimmune diseases and the function of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Here, we review the current understanding of SRR function in different immune cells.