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.
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Binding to human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein UL16 causes sequestration in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Widely expressed with the exception of the central nervous system where it is absent. Expressed in many, but not all, epithelial tumors of lung, breast, kidney, ovary, prostate and colon. In hepatocellular carcinomas, expressed in tumor cells but not in surrounding non-cancerous tissue.