Figure: NECTIN2-CD226 mediated NK-cell cytotoxicity (Human)¶
This figure illustrates the NECTIN2-CD226 mediated Natural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity pathway in humans. The target cell (left) expresses NECTIN2 (Q92692) on its plasma membrane, which acts as a receptor ligand. On the NK cell (right), CD226 (Q15762) functions as a signaling receptor. When NECTIN2 binds to CD226, it triggers a signaling cascade within the NK cell: CD226 activates GRB2 (P62993), which serves as a protein-macromolecule adaptor, which then recruits VAV1 (P15498), a guanyl-nucleotide exchange factor. This signaling pathway ultimately leads to natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, where the NK cell eliminates the target cell. Different line styles represent different types of molecular interactions: dashed lines for binding, dash-dot lines for activation, and dotted lines for protein interactions.
Feedback from AI on figure:
{"feedback":"This scientific illustration effectively depicts the NECTIN2-CD226 mediated NK-cell cytotoxicity pathway with clarity and precision suitable for publication in journals like Cell or Nature. The drawing clearly distinguishes between the target cell and NK cell, with properly labeled plasma membranes and cellular components. Each protein (NECTIN2, CD226, GRB2, and VAV1) is distinctly represented with their UniProt identifiers and molecular functions. The different line styles effectively distinguish between binding interactions, activation, and protein interactions, making the signaling cascade easy to follow. The additional explanatory text box provides valuable context about the cytotoxicity process, enhancing the figure's educational value.","necessary_changes":null,"optional_changes":"For even greater clarity in a journal publication, consider adding small graphical elements representing the cytotoxic effect (such as perforin pores or granzyme molecules) near the target cell to visually emphasize the ultimate outcome of the pathway."}