KLRC1 Mouse Models

Why Model KLRC1

Klrc1 is the mouse ortholog of human KLRC1 and encodes NKG2A (CD159a), an inhibitory C-type-lectin-like receptor that pairs with CD94 and is expressed on natural killer cells and some T cells. NKG2A binds the non-classical MHC molecule HLA-E and has been associated with inhibitory signaling.

The NKG2A-HLA-E axis is a target of cancer immunotherapy, and an anti-NKG2A antibody has been evaluated in combination regimens. Klrc1-deficient mice are viable with altered NK-cell responses.

Model Applications

Humanized KLRC1 (NKG2A) models, in which the human receptor replaces the mouse counterpart, have been used to evaluate NKG2A-directed agents in defined experimental settings.

Custom KLRC1 Model Options

Engineered to your specifications, with molecular validation of the targeted allele and germline transmission guaranteed.

• Conventional knockout
• Conditional knockout
• Point mutation / knockin
• Reporter knockin
• Humanized
• Targeted transgenic

Sources

• A review of the NKG2A-HLA-E immune checkpoint pathway in T and NK cells for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer. 2024. doi:10.1136/jitc-2024-009934
• Houchins JP et al. DNA sequence analysis of NKG2, a family of related cDNA clones encoding type II integral membrane proteins on human natural killer cells. J Exp Med. 1991. doi:10.1084/jem.173.4.1017

Last reviewed: October 22, 2026 · Reviewed by: Paul Sheiffele

Related gene targets: Klrd1 · Hcst · Klrc2 · Klrk1