UL16 binding protein 1 (ULBP1) is a cell surface glycoprotein encoded by ULBP1 gene located on the chromosome 6.[5][6] ULBP1 is related to MHC class I molecules, but its gene maps outside the MHC locus.[5][6] The domain structure of ULBP1 differs significantly from those of conventional MHC class I molecules. It does not contain the α3 domain and the transmembrane segment. ULBP1 is thus composed of only the α1α2 domain which is linked to the cell membrane by the GPI anchor.[5][6] It functions as a stress-induced ligand for NKG2D receptor.[5] ULBP1 is, for example, upregulated during HCMV infection.[7] Binding of HCMV-encoded UL16 glycoprotein to ULBP1 interferes with cell surface localization of ULBP1; this represents another mechanism by which HCMV-infected cells might escape the immune system.[7]
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