Anti-MICA

This gene encodes the highly polymorphic major histocompatability complex class I chain-related protein A. The protein product is expressed on the cell surface, although unlike canonical class I molecules it does not seem to associate with beta-2-microglobulin. It is a ligand for the NKG2-D type II integral membrane protein receptor. The protein functions as a stress-induced antigen that is broadly recognized by intestinal epithelial gamma delta T cells. Variations in this gene have been associated with susceptibility to psoriasis 1 and psoriatic arthritis, and the shedding of MICA-related antibodies and ligands is involved in the progression from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance to multiple myeloma. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants. Protein function: Seems to have no role in antigen presentation. Acts as a stress-induced self-antigen that is recognized by gamma delta T- cells. Ligand for the KLRK1/NKG2D receptor. Binding to KLRK1 leads to cell lysis. [The UniProt Consortium]