Stress-induced ligand recognized by NK receptor

Stress-induced ligands are a group of cell surface proteins, including MICA, MICB, and ULBP1-6, that are upregulated in response to cellular stress, such as DNA damage, oncogenic transformation, infection, or oxidative stress. These ligands are recognized by the NKG2D receptor on natural killer (NK) cells and certain T cell subsets, triggering immune responses leading to the elimination of abnormal cells. Tumor cells can evade immune detection by shedding these ligands from their surface.

Other names

MICAMICBULBP1ULBP2ULBP3ULBP4ULBP5ULBP6NKG2D ligands

Engagement of NKG2D on NK cells and T cells, leading to downstream signaling through ITAM motifs and kinases like Syk/Zap70. This activates cytotoxicity and cytokine production.