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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Natural-killer group 2 member D receptor protein (NKG2D)
- Target
- NKG2D
- Molecular classification
- Receptor, C-type lectin-like receptor, Type II transmembrane protein
01
Overview
Natural-killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) is a type II transmembrane protein that functions as an activating receptor on natural killer (NK) cells and certain T cell subsets. Upon ligand binding, it triggers NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion, playing a crucial role in tumor immunosurveillance, viral defense, and the removal of senescent/damaged cells. It recognizes stress-induced ligands like MICA/B and ULBPs in humans, which are upregulated on stressed or transformed cells.
- Other names
- KLRK1
02
Mechanism of action
N/A
03
Biological functions
Immune activationCytotoxicityCytokine secretionCo-stimulation
04
Disease associations
CancerViral infectionAutoimmunityTransplantation biologySenescenceTissue repair
05
Safety considerations
Potential for off-target effects due to broad expression of ligandsRisk of autoimmunity if receptor activation is dysregulatedTumor evasion mechanisms (ligand shedding, downregulation)
06
Biomarkers
MICA/B polymorphisms
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