Natural killer group 2 member D and Natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 3 (NKG2D and NKp30)

NKG2D (Natural Killer Group 2 Member D) and NKp30 (Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 3) are potent activating receptors expressed on Cytokine-Induced Killer (CIK) cells, which are a heterogeneous population of T cells with NK-like properties (Schmidt-Wolf et al., 1991, PubMed: 1905640). These receptors are essential for the MHC-unrestricted recognition of malignant cells, as they bind to specific ligands induced by cellular stress, DNA damage, or viral infection, such as MICA/B and B7-H6 (Bauer et al., 1999, Science; Brandt et al., 2009, J Exp Med). In therapeutic applications, CIK cells utilize these receptors to trigger the release of perforins and granzymes, leading to the apoptosis of target tumor cells (Sangiolo et al., 2014, PubMed: 24710915). Research into these receptors often focuses on enhancing their expression or preventing the inhibitory effects of soluble ligands that tumors shed to evade immune detection (Groh et al., 2002, Nature). Consequently, NKG2D and NKp30 represent vital components in the development of adoptive cell therapies and bispecific antibodies aimed at treating various solid and hematological malignancies (UniProt: P26718; UniProt: O14931).

Other names

KLRK1NCR3CD314CD337Natural killer group 2 member DNatural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 3Killer cell lectin like receptor K11C7LY117

Activation of cytotoxic immune response through ligand-mediated receptor signaling and MHC-unrestricted tumor cell lysis.