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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

  • 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
  • NKG2D
  • D12S2489E
  • KLRK1

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Immunology & Infectious Disease

Other research areas

  • Immuno-oncology

Molecular weight

0Da