Klrk1
Developmental stage
Expressed in NK cells from the thymus at 15 dpc (at protein level).
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 RAET1A, RAET1B, RAET1C, RAET1D, RAET1E, H60 and MULT1.
Involvement in disease
Involved in autoreactive CD8(+) T-cell-mediated development of autoimmune diabetes.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in natural killer (NK) cells, activated CD8(+) alpha-beta and gamma-delta T-cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells (at protein level). May be expressed on dendritic cell (DC). Isoform 1 is strongly expressed in natural killer (NK) cells. Isoform 2 is weakly expressed in natural killer (NK) cells. Isoform 1 and isoform 2 are expressed in stimulated, but not in unstimulated, CD8(+) T-cells and macrophages.
Cellular localization
- Cell membrane
- Single-pass type II membrane protein
- Colocalized with HCST and TYROBP on the cell surface.
Alternative names
CD314, Nkg2d, 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
Other research areas
- Immuno-oncology