Recombinant Proteins
Product List
MICA Human
MHC Class-I chain related gene A Human Recombinant
MICA Human, His
MHC class I chain-related gene A, Human Recombinant His Tag
MICB Human
MHC Class-I chain related gene B Human Recombinant
Introduction
The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I chain-related genes, also known as MIC genes, are a group of genes located within the MHC class I region on chromosome 6. These genes encode proteins that are structurally similar to classical MHC class I molecules but differ in their function and expression patterns . The MIC family includes several genes, with MICA and MICB being the most studied and well-characterized .
Key Biological Properties: MIC proteins do not associate with β2-microglobulin and do not present peptides. Instead, they are stress-induced molecules expressed on the surface of epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells .
Expression Patterns: MIC proteins are not typically found on normal circulating lymphocytes but are upregulated in response to cellular stress, such as infection, heat shock, or transformation .
Tissue Distribution: MIC proteins are primarily expressed in epithelial tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, and on some tumor cells .
Primary Biological Functions: The primary function of MIC proteins is to act as ligands for the activating receptor NKG2D found on natural killer (NK) cells, CD8+ T cells, and some γδ T cells .
Role in Immune Responses: By binding to NKG2D, MIC proteins play a crucial role in the immune system’s ability to recognize and eliminate stressed, infected, or transformed cells .
Pathogen Recognition: MIC proteins help the immune system detect cells that are under stress due to infection or malignancy, thereby facilitating the immune response against pathogens and tumors .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: MIC proteins interact with the NKG2D receptor on NK cells and certain T cells, leading to the activation of these immune cells .
Binding Partners: The primary binding partner for MIC proteins is the NKG2D receptor .
Downstream Signaling Cascades: Upon binding to NKG2D, a signaling cascade is initiated that results in the activation and cytotoxic response of NK cells and T cells, leading to the destruction of the target cell .
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of MIC genes is regulated by various stress signals, including heat shock and oxidative stress . Specific transcription factors, such as heat shock factors, bind to the promoter regions of MIC genes to induce their expression .
Post-Translational Modifications: MIC proteins can undergo post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation, which can affect their stability and function .
Biomedical Research: MIC proteins are studied for their role in immune surveillance and their potential as biomarkers for stress and disease .
Diagnostic Tools: The expression of MIC proteins can be used as a diagnostic marker for certain types of cancer and other diseases characterized by cellular stress .
Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting the MIC-NKG2D interaction is being explored as a therapeutic strategy for enhancing immune responses against tumors and for treating autoimmune diseases .
Development: MIC proteins are not typically involved in normal development but are upregulated in response to stress during various stages of life .
Aging: The expression of MIC proteins may increase with age due to the accumulation of cellular stress and damage .
Disease: MIC proteins play a significant role in the immune response to diseases, particularly in the recognition and elimination of tumor cells and cells infected with pathogens .
