UL16 binding protein 3 (ULBP3)

UL16 binding protein 3 is a stress-induced cell surface protein related to MHC class I molecules, but structurally lacking the α3 and β2m domains and instead anchored to the membrane by a GPI linkage. It acts as a ligand for the activating NKG2D receptor found on NK cells and subsets of T cells, triggering immune responses against infected, stressed, or malignant cells. ULBP3 can be expressed on the cell surface or released as a soluble form, each modulating immune cell activity in distinct ways. Its expression is tightly regulated and manipulated by various pathogens to aid immune evasion, and its dysregulation is implicated in both tumor immunology and certain autoimmune disorders. ULBP3 is considered a promising therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy and for anti-viral or immune modulation strategies.

Other names

RAET1NN2DL-3NKG2DL3N2DL3_HUMAN

NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity through NKG2D engagement; ADCC (antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, when using anti-ULBP3 monoclonal antibodies); Downregulation or soluble ULBP3 can lead to immune escape by decreasing NK cell activity and NKG2D receptor levels