Human NKG2DL/ULBP-1 Recombinant Protein (His Tag)

Background: ULBP1; also known as RAET1I and NKG2DL1; is a member of the ULBP/RAET1 gene family. ULBP1 plays an important role in immune responses; especially in cancer and infectious diseases; and is well-known to bind to NKG2D together with at least ULBP 2 and 3. These proteins are distantly related to major histocompatibility class I (MHC I) molecules; possessing the alpha 1 and alpha 2 Ig-like domains; but lacking the alpha 3 domain. Unlike MHC Class I; they have no capacity to bind peptide or interact with beta2-microglobulin. It can activate multiple signaling pathways in primary NK cells; gamma delta T cells; and CD8+ alpha beta T cells; resulting in the production of cytokines and chemokines.ULBP1 is expressed in wide range of tissues including heart; brain; lung; liver; bone marrow and some tumor cells; T-cells; B-cells; As an unconventional member of the MHC class I family; ULBP1 is able to interact with soluble CMV glycoprotein UL16 in CMV infected cells. The interaction with UL16 blocked the interaction with the NKG2D receptor; and thus might escape the immune surveillance. Furthermore; UL16 also causes ULBP1 to be retained in the ER and cis-Golgi apparatus so that it does not reach the cell surface. The ULBP1 regulation may have implications for development of new therapeutic strategies against cancer cells.