Natural Killer Group 2D Ligands (NKG2DL)

Natural killer group 2D ligands (NKG2DLs) are a family of cell surface proteins recognized by the activating receptor NKG2D, expressed on NK cells and certain T cell subsets. They mark stressed, infected, or transformed cells for destruction by cytotoxic lymphocytes. The main families include MICA/MICB and ULBP1-ULBP6 (RAET1 family). They are upregulated in response to cellular stress, infection, DNA damage, or transformation. Binding to NKG2D triggers cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion. In cancer, tumors may evade immunity by shedding soluble ligands or downregulating surface expression. Polymorphisms in MICA are associated with transplant outcomes.

Other names

MICAMICBULBP1ULBP2ULBP3ULBP4ULBP5ULBP6RAET1ERAET1GRAET1HRAET1IRAET1NRAET1L

NKG2DLs are ligands that bind to the NKG2D receptor on NK cells and T cells, triggering cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion, leading to targeted killing of the ligand-expressing cell. Some therapies may target the NKG2D/NKG2DL axis to enhance or suppress immune responses.