What are the general features of NKC-encoded receptors?
They are type II integral membrane proteins with external domains resembling C-type (Ca++-dependent) lectins. In general they are expressed as disulfide-linked dimers, either as homodimers or heterodimers. However, the NKC receptors generally lack the residues for coordinate binding of Ca++, indicating that they do not bind carbohydrates in the same manner as authentic C-type lectins.
