Natural Killer Group 2 Member D Receptor (NKG2D)

NKG2D is an activating receptor expressed on NK cells, CD8+ T cells, and γδ T cells. It recognizes stress-induced ligands on target cells, triggering cytotoxicity and cytokine production. It plays a critical role in immunosurveillance against tumors, virally infected cells, and other stressed cells. NKG2D signaling is mediated through adaptor proteins DAP10 and DAP12. The receptor also regulates signaling through other receptors, both potentiating and inhibiting signals during different stages of the immune response.

Other names

KLRK1Killer cell lectin like receptor K1

Activation of effector functions (e.g., perforin/granzyme release) upon ligand binding, modulation of other receptor signaling