About SLAMF / SLAM Family:
SLAMF stands for Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule family. They’re involved in cell-to-cell adhesion, during the antigen presentation. They’re expressed in immune cells. They physically associate with SAP-related adaptors. There’s always a growing consensus that the SLAM family -- along with the SAP family -- play a prominent role in the development and maintenance of multiple immune cell types. When the SAP family is not present, the SLAM family switches function, which means they can mediate inhibitory signals that aim to suppress immune cell functions.
SLAMF Members
There are multiple members of the SLAM family; they are numbered Slam1 through Slam9. They work as receptors that can work directly with microbes, because they’re cell surface transmembrane. That can cause phagocytic cells to move to the area in which they are present. SLAMF1 has been observed to be a receptor for the measles virus, as well as an opsonin for other cells, such as phagocytic cells.
SLAM Family Function
They are also part of the immune cell communication process, and function as co-stimulatory molecules for both T-cells and NK cells. They also work with T helper cell proliferation; they do this by working to increase IFN-Gamma and IL-4 production.
SLAMF Structure
Every member of the SLAM family falls under the classification of type I glycoproteins and shares an amino-terminal IgV variable domain. They also fall under membrane-adjacent IgC2 constant domain, along with immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motifs.
SLAM Family Mechanism
They can undergo alternative splicing, which helps to generate different isoforms. SLAM2 and SLAM4 interact with one another but all the other SLAM members are self-ligands.