NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) receptor p75, also termed p75NTR, NGFR and CD271, is a low affinity neurotrophin receptor and a single-pass type I transmembrane protein. Its ligands include NGF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and NT-4.
NGF receptor p75 is expressed by many cell types including neurons, Schwann cells, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, follicular dendritic cells, and various neural crest cells and their tumors.
By mediating neurotrophin signals, the receptor appears to play a role in multiple processes, including neuronal growth, migration, differentiation and cell death during development of the central and peripheral nervous system.
NGF receptor p75 binds its ligands as a homodimer but can also form heterodimers with other receptors such as TrkA, TrkB, TrkC, Nogo receptor and sortilin. The precise multimeric receptor complex formed will determine the ligand being recognized and the biological response to its binding.