Cytoplasmic adapter regulating receptors of the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family such as CD84, SLAMF1, LY9 and CD244. In SLAM signaling seems to cooperate with SH2D1A/SAP. Plays a role in regulation of effector functions of natural killer (NK) cells by controlling signal transduction through CD244/2B4. However, conflicting results are reported which may reflect the use of different strain backgrounds. Proposed to act as an inhibitor of CD244-mediated NK cell function including cytotoxicity and IFN-gamma production, the latter found also by triggering KLRA4 and KLRK1 next to CD244 (PubMed:16127454). Seems to positively regulate CD244- and CD84-dependent NK cell functions implicating CD244-mediated phosphorylation of VAV1. Activation of SLAMF7-mediated NK cell function does not effect receptor tyrosine phosphorylation but distal signaling (PubMed:19151721, PubMed:20962259, PubMed:24687958). In the context of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity does not enhance conjugate formation with target cells but stimulates polarization of the microtubule-organizing center and cytotoxic granules toward the NK cell synapse (PubMed:24687958). Negatively regulates CD40-induced cytokine production in dendritic cells downstream of SLAM family receptors probably by inducing activation of the PI3K pathway to inhibit p38 MAPK and JNK activation (PubMed:26432891). Binds to the phosphorylated receptors CD84, SLAMF1, LY9 and CD244. Does not bind to non-phosphorylated SLAMF1 (By similarity). Interacts with SLAMF7 (via ITSM phosphorylated on 'Tyr-302'). Interacts with Src kinases HCK, LYN, FYN, FGR and LCK (via kinase domains). Interacts (phosphorylated at Tyr-127) with PLCG2. Expressed in spleen, thymus, lung, kidney, heart, colon and small bowel. Expressed in NK cells (all stages of cell maturation), macrophages and dendritic cells. Phosphorylated on tyrosine residues; probably at Tyr-120 and/or Tyr-127.