This gene encodes a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-related molecule that binds to the NKG2D receptor on natural killer (NK) cells to trigger release of multiple cytokines and chemokines that in turn contribute to the recruitment and activation of NK cells. The encoded protein undergoes further processing to generate the mature protein that is either anchored to membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol moiety, or secreted. Many malignant cells secrete the encoded protein to evade immunosurveillance by NK cells. This gene is located in a cluster of multiple MHC class I-related genes on chromosome 6. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2015],function:Ligand for the NKG2D receptor, together with at least ULBP1 and ULBP3. ULBPs activate multiple signaling pathways in primary NK cells, resulting in the production of cytokines and chemokines. Binding of ULBPs ligands to NKG2D induces calcium mobilization and activation of the JAK2, STAT5, ERK and PI3K kinase/Akt signal transduction pathway. In CMV infected cells, interacts with soluble CMV glycoprotein UL16. The interaction with UL16 blocked the interaction with the NKG2D receptor, providing a mechanism by which CMV infected cells might escape the immune system. UL16 also causes ULBP2 to be retained in the ER and cis-Golgi apparatus so that it does not reach the cell surface.,miscellaneous:The ULBPs are unusual members of the extended MHC class I superfamily, because they do not contain the alpha 3 domain and they lack a transmembrane domain. They are unlikely to present peptides.,similarity:Belongs to the MHC class I family.,subunit:Interacts with the CMV glycoprotein UL16. Does not bind to beta2-microglobulin.,tissue specificity:Expressed in various types of cancer cell lines and in the fetus, but not in normal tissues.,
