The superfamily of immunoglobulin cell-adhesion molecules (IgCAMs) is a well-known family of cell-adhesion molecules used for immune-cell extravasation and cell-cell interaction. Amongst others, this family includes DNAX accessory molecule 1 (DNAM-1/CD226), class-I-restricted T-cell-associated molecule (CRTAM/CD355), T-cell-activated increased late expression (Tactile/CD96), T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), Nectins and Nectin-like molecules (Necls). Besides using these molecules to migrate towards inflammatory sites, their interactions within the immune system can support the immunological synapse with antigen-presenting cells or target cells for cytotoxicity, and trigger diverse effector functions. Although their role is generally described in oncoimmunity, this review emphasizes recent advances in the (dys)function of Nectin-family ligands in health, chronic inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases. In addition, this review provides a detailed overview on the expression pattern of Nectins and Necls and their ligands on different immune-cell types by focusing on human cell systems.
Keywords: CRTAM; DNAM-1; Necl; Nectin; TIGIT; Tactile; autoimmunity; cytotoxicity; immunological synapse; inflammation.