UL16-binding protein 2 (ULBP2)

UL16-binding protein 2 (ULBP2) is a membrane-bound or secreted MHC class I-related glycoprotein encoded on human chromosome 6, structurally lacking the α3 domain typical of classical MHC I molecules. It is a stress-induced ligand for the activating NKG2D receptor found on natural killer (NK) cells and some T cell subsets, promoting cytotoxic responses and the release of immune-modulating cytokines. ULBP2 plays a central role in immune surveillance against cancer and virus-infected cells; however, tumors frequently exploit ULBP2 by secreting or dysregulating its expression to escape immune detection. Overexpression of ULBP2 correlates with tumor progression and worse survival in multiple malignancies, making it a researched immunotherapeutic target and prognostic marker[1][2][3][5][6][7].

Other names

N2DL2RAET1HRAET1LALCAN-alphaNKG2DL2Retinoic acid early transcript 1HRetinoic acid early transcript 1L

ULBP2 serves as a ligand for the NKG2D receptor on NK and some T cells, leading to immune cell activation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine release. Some tumor cells overexpress or shed ULBP2 to evade immune detection, reducing efficacy of immunosurveillance[2][3].