MHC class I chain-related molecules A (MICA) is one of the genes in the HLA class I region, which belongs to MHC class I family. It is the member of the non-classical class I family that displays the greatest degree of polymorphism. The MICA protein product is expressed on the cell surface, although unlike canonical class I molecules does not seem to associate with beta-2-microglobulin. It is thought that MICA functions as a stress-induced antigen that is broadly recognized by NK cells, NKT cells, and most of the subtypes of T cells. The Natural killer group 2D (NKG2D), a C-type lectin-like activating immunoreceptor, is a receptor of MICA, which was detected on most gammadelta T cells, CD8+ alphabeta T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Effector cells from all these subsets could be stimulated by ligation of NKG2D. Engagement of NKG2D activated cytolytic responses of gammadelta T cells and NK cells against transfectants and epithelial tumor cells expressing MICA. The MICA system is a novel, avidin-free immunohistochemical detection system that provides a significant increase in sensitivity compared to traditional immunodetection systems.
