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Natural Killer Group 2, member D (NKG2D)

Target: NKG2D
Molecular classification: Receptor, C-type lectin-like receptor

Overview

NKG2D (Natural Killer Group 2, member D) is an activating receptor expressed on NK cells and subsets of T cells. It recognizes stress-induced ligands on target cells and triggers immune responses, including cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion, playing a crucial role in tumor surveillance and antiviral defense. It signals through DAP10 (humans and mice) and DAP12 (mice only) adaptor proteins.

Other names: KLRK1Killer cell lectin-like receptor K1

Mechanism of action

Agonist-induced activation of NKG2D leads to downstream signaling via DAP10 and/or DAP12 adaptor proteins, resulting in target cell lysis and cytokine production.

Biological functions

Immune responseCytotoxicityCytokine secretionCo-stimulationTumor surveillanceAntiviral defense

Disease associations

CancerInfectionAutoimmunity

Safety considerations

Potential for autoimmunity due to broad expression on immune cells.Off-target effects of agonists.

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