The protein encoded by this gene is a ligand of natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D), an immune system-activating receptor on NK cells and T-cells. Binding of the encoded ligand to NKG2D leads to activation of several signal transduction pathways, including those of JAK2, STAT5, ERK and PI3K kinase/Akt. Also, in cytomegalovirus-infected cells, this ligand binds the UL16 glycoprotein and is prevented from activating the immune system. Three transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.,ULBP1,N2DL-1,NKG2DL1,RAET1I,Immunology & Inflammation,Toll-like Receptor Signaling Pathway,Cell Intrinsic Innate Immunity Signaling Pathway,TLR Signaling,ULBP1