The role of KLRG1: a novel biomarker and new therapeutic target

Abstract Killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1) is an immune checkpoint receptor expressed predominantly in NK and T-cell subsets that downregulates the activation and proliferation of immune cells and participates in cell-mediated immune responses. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the importance of KLRG1 as a noteworthy disease marker and therapeutic target that can influence disease onset, progression, and prognosis. Blocking KLRG1 has been shown to effectively mitigate the effects of downregulation in various mouse tumor models, including solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. However, KLRG1 inhibitors have not yet been approved for human use, and the understanding of KLRG1 expression and its mechanism of action in various diseases remains incomplete. In this review, we explore alterations in the distribution, structure, and signaling pathways of KLRG1 in immune cells and summarize its expression patterns and roles in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancers. Additionally, we discuss the potential applications of KLRG1 as a tool for tumor immunotherapy.