NKG2-D Type II Integral Membrane Protein (KLRK1) Antibody

Background

Killer cell lectin-like receptor K1 (KLRK1), commonly known as NKG2D (natural-killer group 2 member D), is an activating receptor expressed on several immune cell types, primarily natural killer (NK) cells and certain subsets of T cells (e.g., CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and gamma-delta (γδ) T cells). KLRK1 plays a pivotal role in immune surveillance by recognizing and binding stress-induced ligands on infected, transformed, or stressed cells, ultimately promoting their elimination. Unlike other receptors that recognize pathogen-specific molecules, KLRK1 targets cells based on “stress signals” upregulated due to infection, cellular transformation, or other cellular stress. KLRK1 serves as a crucial bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems, offering an immediate response to transformed cells and facilitating longer-lasting adaptive immunity. This receptor is primarily involved in immune responses to tumors, viral infections, and autoimmune processes, where it mediates cytotoxic responses upon recognizing ligands that signal cellular distress or abnormality.