MICA

Full Name: MHC Class I Polypeptide-Related Sequence A

BACKGROUND: This gene encodes the highly polymorphic major histocompatability complex class I chain-related protein A. The protein product is expressed on the cell surface, although unlike canonical class I molecules it does not seem to associate with beta-2-microglobulin. It is a ligand for the NKG2-D type II integral membrane protein receptor. The protein functions as a stress-induced antigen that is broadly recognized by intestinal epithelial gamma delta T cells. Variations in this gene have been associated with susceptibility to psoriasis 1 and psoriatic arthritis, and the shedding of MICA-related antibodies and ligands is involved in the progression from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance to multiple myeloma. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants.

Synonyms: MICA; MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A; MIC-A; PERB11.1; HLA class I antigen; stress inducible class I homolog; MHC class I chain-related protein A