NKG2-C type II integral membrane protein

Immune activating receptor involved in self-nonself discrimination. In complex with KLRD1 on cytotoxic lymphocyte subsets, recognizes non-classical major histocompatibility (MHC) class Ib HLA-E loaded with signal sequence-derived peptides from non-classical MHC class Ib HLA-G molecules, likely playing a role in the generation and effector functions of adaptive natural killer (NK) cells and in maternal-fetal tolerance during pregnancy. Regulates the effector functions of terminally differentiated cytotoxic lymphocyte subsets, and in particular may play a role in adaptive NK cell response to viral infection. Upon HLA-E-peptide binding, transmits intracellular signals via the adapter protein TYROBP/DAP12, triggering the phosphorylation of proximal signaling molecules and cell activation.