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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Natural Killer Group 2 Member D Ligands (expressed on tumor cells) (NKG2DL)
- Target
- NKG2DL
- Molecular classification
- Receptor Ligand, MHC Class I-like proteins
01
Overview
Natural Killer Group 2 Member D ligands (NKG2DLs), including MICA/B and ULBPs, are stress-induced markers upregulated on tumor cells. These ligands bind to the NKG2D receptor on NK cells and T cells, triggering cytotoxicity and promoting immune surveillance. Their selective expression on tumor cells makes them attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy, but immune evasion mechanisms such as ligand shedding pose a challenge.
- Other names
- NKG2D ligandsMICAMICBULBP1ULBP2ULBP3ULBP4ULBP5ULBP6
02
Mechanism of action
Enhancing expression or stability of membrane-bound forms could boost anti-tumor immunity. Inhibiting shedding/neutralizing soluble forms may restore effective immune surveillance
03
Biological functions
Immune cell activationNK cell activationT cell activationTumor cell recognitionInduction of cytotoxicityStress response
04
Disease associations
CancerInfectionAutoimmunity
05
Safety considerations
Potential for off-target effects on healthy cells expressing low levels of NKG2D ligandsRisk of cytokine release syndrome upon immune activationTumor immune evasion through ligand shedding or downregulation
06
Biomarkers
MICA expressionMICB expressionULBP expressionSoluble MICA/B levels
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