[5] CD244 is a type-I transmembrane protein belonging to the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family of receptors (SLAMF) which are expressed in different types of hematopoietic cells.

CD48 also belongs to the SLAMF, it does not have an intracellular domain and it is anchored to the plasma membrane by a GPI-anchor.

[8][7] The receptor CD244 is encoded by the CD244 gene located on the long arm of human chromosome 1.

[8] Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.

The expression and availability of an adaptor protein SAP determine whether the signal is activating or inhibitory.

[9] The inhibitory signal is mediated by binding of phosphatases SHP1, SHP2, SHIP-1 or the kinase CsK on the third ITSM.

It is known that CD244 signaling in these cells enhances their immunosuppressive capacity resulting in the reduced immune response against tumors.