“NKG2D” itself is a receptor on immune cells, and most research focuses on its ligands—such as MICA, MICB, and the UL16-binding proteins (ULBPs)—that are expressed by tumor cells or within the tumor microenvironment.
MICA and MICB
• Expression:
– Frequently overexpressed on the surface of transformed cells in cancers such as colorectal, ovarian, breast, and pancreatic cancers.
• Prognosis:
– In some studies, high levels of MICA/B on tumor cells have been correlated with enhanced NK cell-mediated lysis and better prognosis.
2. ULBPs (ULBP1, ULBP2, ULBP3, etc.)
-Overexpression of certain ULBP family members has been associated with increased tumor recognition by NK and CD8⁺ T cells, potentially correlating with improved survival in some studies (e.g., ovarian cancer).
– In contrast, increased soluble ULBP levels have been linked to immune evasion and worse outcomes in other contexts.
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