Human C-type lectin-like CD161 is a type-II transmembrane protein expressed on the surface of various lymphocytes across innate and adaptive immune systems. CD161+ T cells displayed enhanced ability to produce cytokines and were shown to be enriched in the gut. Independently of function, CD161 was used as marker of innate-like T cells and marker of IL-17-producing cells. The function of CD161 is still not fully understood. In T cells, CD161 was proposed to act as co-signalling receptor that influence T-cell receptor-dependent responses. However, conflicting studies were published demonstrating lack of agreement over the role of CD161 during T-cell activation. In this review, we outline phenotypical and functional consequences of CD161 expression in T cells. We provide critical discussion over the most pressing issues including in depth evaluation of the literature concerning CD161 putative co-signalling properties.

中文翻译：

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人 CD161 受体在 T 细胞中的免疫生物学和相互矛盾的作用

人类 C 型凝集素样 CD161 是一种 II 型跨膜蛋白，在先天和适应性免疫系统的各种淋巴细胞表面上表达。CD161+ T 细胞表现出增强的产生细胞因子的能力，并显示在肠道中富集。与功能无关，CD161 被用作先天样 T 细胞的标志物和产生 IL-17 的细胞的标志物。CD161的功能还没有完全理解。在 T 细胞中，CD161 被提议作为影响 T 细胞受体依赖性反应的共信号受体。然而，发表的相互矛盾的研究表明，对于 CD161 在 T 细胞激活过程中的作用缺乏一致意见。在这篇综述中，我们概述了 CD161 在 T 细胞中表达的表型和功能后果。