### CD160 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** CD160  
**Gene ID:** 10006 (NCBI)  
**Location:** Chromosome 1, q23.3  

The CD160 gene encodes a glycoprotein that plays a critical role in the immune response by regulating the activation and differentiation of immune cells, particularly natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocytes. The protein is characterized as a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored receptor that can exist in both GPI-anchored and transmembrane forms, allowing for diverse signaling pathways following its engagement with specific ligands.

### 1. Associated Genes
While the summaries provided focus primarily on CD160's interactions with MHC class I molecules and TNF superfamily member TNFRSF14, it is also associated with the following genes:

- **KIR2DL4 (Killer Cell Ig-like Receptor)**: Shares weak homology in structure and can influence NK cell activity.
- **LCK (Lymphocyte-Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase)**: Plays a role in T cell receptor signaling.
- **CD247 (CD3 zeta chain)**: Part of the TCR complex that is involved in transmitting activation signals in T cells.
- **TNFRSF14 (HVEM)**: This interaction impacts T cell and NK cell signaling.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Research indicates that the CD160 gene may contribute to age-related immune dysregulation, particularly in the context of chronic viral infections and T cell exhaustion. As individuals age, a decline in CD8+ T cell function has been observed, which may be influenced by persistent stimulation of CD160 leading to:

- **T Cell Exhaustion**: CD160's role in inhibiting TCR signaling suggests it may contribute to the impaired T cell responses seen in older adults.
- **Chronic Inflammation**: As a part of the immune system, prolonged CD160 signaling might influence markers of systemic inflammation, which is often associated with age-related diseases, including autoimmune disorders and cancers.

### 3. Drug Interactions
While specific drugs directly interacting with CD160 may not be well-documented, certain classes of drugs targeting immune checkpoint pathways (immune checkpoint inhibitors) could influence its pathways, especially in cancer immunotherapy:

- **Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (e.g., anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-CTLA-4)**: These drugs are aimed at enhancing T cell responses against tumors and may indirectly influence CD160's role.
- **Cytokines (e.g., IL-2)**: Used to enhance NK cell function and could potentially modulate pathways involving CD160.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
CD160 is involved in several key biological processes and signaling pathways:

- **Signaling Pathways**:
  - Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in activated NK cells.
  - T cell receptor signaling in activated T cells via LCK and CD247.

- **Biological Processes**:
  - Cytotoxicity: Enhancing the cytotoxic activity of NK cells against infected or malignant cells.
  - Immune response regulation: The balance between stimulatory and inhibitory signals in T cells and NK cells impacts overall adaptive and innate immunity.
  - Angiogenesis control: Through interactions with HLA-G on endothelial cells, CD160 plays a role in immune privilege in certain tissues.

### Conclusion
The CD160 gene is significant in various immune responses and influences both activation and exhaustion of immune cells. Its role in age-related immune changes and associations with immune checkpoint mechanisms make it a gene of interest for further research, especially in immunotherapy contexts and understanding chronic infections associated with aging.