LIR9, an immunoglobulin-superfamily-activating receptor, is expressed as a transmembrane and as a secreted molecule

LIRs are immunoglobulinlike receptors that have activating and inhibitory functions in leukocytes. Here we report the identification of the first LIR family member, LIR9, expressed as a membrane-bound receptor and as a secreted molecule. We identified 4 different forms of LIR9, 2 of which encode transmembrane molecules and 2 encode secreted molecules. The transmembrane forms of LIR9 contain a short cytoplasmic domain and a charged arginine residue within the transmembrane region that is likely to mediate its association with another coreceptor. LIR9 is mostly expressed in myeloid cells, including monocytes and neutrophils. Cross-linking of LIR9 on the surfaces of monocytes induces calcium flux and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and IL-6, indicating that LIR9 could play a role in triggering innate immune responses.