Structural highlights
Function
[NKG2D_HUMAN] Receptor for MICA, MICB, ULBP1, ULBP2, ULBP3 (ULBP2>ULBP1>ULBP3) and ULBP4. Plays a role as a receptor for the recognition of MHC class I HLA-E molecules by NK cells and some cytotoxic T-cells. Involved in the immune surveillance exerted by T- and B-lymphocytes.
Evolutionary Conservation
Check, as determined by ConSurfDB. You may read the explanation of the method and the full data available from ConSurf.
Publication Abstract from PubMed
Engagement of diverse protein ligands (MIC-A/B, ULBP, Rae-1, or H60) by NKG2D immunoreceptors mediates elimination of tumorigenic or virally infected cells by natural killer and T cells. Three previous NKG2D-ligand complex structures show the homodimeric receptor interacting with the monomeric ligands in similar 2:1 complexes, with an equivalent surface on each NKG2D monomer binding intimately to a total of six distinct ligand surfaces. Here, the crystal structure of free human NKG2D and in silico and in vitro alanine-scanning mutagenesis analyses of the complex interfaces indicate that NKG2D recognition degeneracy is not explained by a classical induced-fit mechanism. Rather, the divergent ligands appear to utilize different strategies to interact with structurally conserved elements of the consensus NKG2D binding site.
Symmetry recognizing asymmetry: analysis of the interactions between the C-type lectin-like immunoreceptor NKG2D and MHC class I-like ligands.,McFarland BJ, Kortemme T, Yu SF, Baker D, Strong RK Structure. 2003 Apr;11(4):411-22. PMID:12679019[1]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
References
- ↑ McFarland BJ, Kortemme T, Yu SF, Baker D, Strong RK. Symmetry recognizing asymmetry: analysis of the interactions between the C-type lectin-like immunoreceptor NKG2D and MHC class I-like ligands. Structure. 2003 Apr;11(4):411-22. PMID:12679019
