Intracellular Retention of the NKG2D Ligand MHC Class I Chain-Related Gene A in Human Melanomas Confers Immune Privilege and Prevents NK Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity (original) (raw)

This study investigates the immune evasion mechanisms of human melanomas by examining the intracellular retention of the NKG2D ligand MHC Class I Chain-Related Gene A (MICA). Despite its expression in melanoma cells, MICA does not reach the cell surface, impeding recognition and cytotoxicity by natural killer (NK) cells. The findings indicate that MICA's retention contributes to a state of immune privilege, helping melanomas evade immune detection and suggesting potential therapeutic targets for enhancing NK cell responses.