UL16-binding protein 6 (ULBP6)

UL16-binding protein 6 (ULBP6), also known as RAET1L, is a stress-induced ligand for the activating immunoreceptor NKG2D (KLRK1) expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and some T cells. Binding of ULBP6 to NKG2D triggers NK cell cytotoxicity, playing a role in immune surveillance against infected or transformed cells. ULBP6 expression is restricted and can be upregulated during viral infection (e.g., HCMV) or in certain cancers. HCMV utilizes UL16 to retain ULBP6 intracellularly, evading NK cell-mediated immune responses. Polymorphisms exist in the ULBP6 gene, and altered ULBP6 function has been associated with alopecia areata and alopecia universalis congenita.

Other names

RAET1LRetinoic Acid Early Transcript 1L

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