KLRK1

Function

Functions as an activating and costimulatory receptor involved in immunosurveillance upon binding to various cellular stress-inducible ligands displayed at the surface of autologous tumor cells and virus-infected cells. Provides both stimulatory and costimulatory innate immune responses on activated killer (NK) cells, leading to cytotoxic activity. Acts as a costimulatory receptor for T-cell receptor (TCR) in CD8(+) T-cell-mediated adaptive immune responses by amplifying T-cell activation. Stimulates perforin-mediated elimination of ligand-expressing tumor cells. Signaling involves calcium influx, culminating in the expression of TNF-alpha. Participates in NK cell-mediated bone marrow graft rejection. May play a regulatory role in differentiation and survival of NK cells. Binds to ligands belonging to various subfamilies of MHC class I-related glycoproteins including MICA, MICB, RAET1E, RAET1G, RAET1L/ULBP6, ULBP1, ULBP2, ULBP3 (ULBP2>ULBP1>ULBP3) and ULBP4.

Tissue Specificity

Expressed in natural killer (NK) cells, CD8(+) alpha-beta and gamma-delta T-cells. Expressed on essentially all CD56+CD3- NK cells from freshly isolated PBMC. Expressed in interferon-producing killer dendritic cells (IKDCs).

Cellular localization

• Cell membrane
• Single-pass type II membrane protein
• Colocalized with HCST on the cell surface.

Alternative names

CD314, D12S2489E, NKG2D, KLRK1, NKG2-D type II integral membrane protein, Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily K member 1, NK cell receptor D, NKG2-D-activating NK receptor

Database links

swissprot:P26718 entrezGene:22914 omim:611817 entrezGene:100528032

Other research areas

• Immuno-oncology