Recombinant Human NKG2-D type II integral membrane protein (KLRK1), Truncated

Uniprot Id

P26718

Target Species

Human

Target Name

KLRK1

Target Full Name

NKG2-D type II integral membrane protein

Target Function

Functions as an activating and costimulatory receptor involved in immunosurveillance upon binding to various cellular stress-inducible ligands displayed at the surface of autologous tumor cells and virus-infected cells. Provides both stimulatory and costimulatory innate immune responses on activated killer (NK) cells, leading to cytotoxic activity. Acts as a costimulatory receptor for T-cell receptor (TCR) in CD8(+) T-cell-mediated adaptive immune responses by amplifying T-cell activation. Stimulates perforin-mediated elimination of ligand-expressing tumor cells. Signaling involves calcium influx, culminating in the expression of TNF-alpha. Participates in NK cell-mediated bone marrow graft rejection. May play a regulatory role in differentiation and survival of NK cells. Binds to ligands belonging to various subfamilies of MHC class I-related glycoproteins including MICA, MICB, RAET1E, RAET1G, RAET1L/ULBP6, ULBP1, ULBP2, ULBP3 (ULBP2>ULBP1>ULBP3) and ULBP4.

Target Subcellular Location

Cell membrane; Single-pass type II membrane protein. Note=Colocalized with HCST on the cell surface.

Target Tissue Specificity

Expressed in natural killer (NK) cells, CD8(+) alpha-beta and gamma-delta T-cells. Expressed on essentially all CD56+CD3- NK cells from freshly isolated PBMC. Expressed in interferon-producing killer dendritic cells (IKDCs).

Target Synonyms

KLRK1; D12S2489E; NKG2D; NKG2-D type II integral membrane protein; Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily K member 1; NK cell receptor D; NKG2-D-activating NK receptor; CD antigen CD314

Target Background

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that can mediate lysis of certain tumor cells and virus-infected cells without previous activation. They can also regulate specific humoral and cell-mediated immunity. NK cells preferentially express several calcium-dependent (C-type) lectins, which have been implicated in the regulation of NK cell function. The NKG2 gene family is located within the NK complex, a region that contains several C-type lectin genes preferentially expressed in NK cells. This gene encodes a member of the NKG2 family. The encoded transmembrane protein is characterized by a type II membrane orientation (has an extracellular C terminus) and the presence of a C-type lectin domain. It binds to a diverse family of ligands that include MHC class I chain-related A and B proteins and UL-16 binding proteins, where ligand-receptor interactions can result in the activation of NK and T cells. The surface expression of these ligands is important for the recognition of stressed cells by the immune system, and thus this protein and its ligands are therapeutic targets for the treatment of immune diseases and cancers. Read-through transcription exists between this gene and the upstream KLRC4 (killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily C, member 4) family member in the same cluster.