The protein encoded by this gene is one of several related ligands of the KLRK1/NKG2D receptor, which is found in primary NK cells. Binding of these ligands to the receptor activates several signal transduction pathways, including the JAK2, STAT5, and ERK pathways. The encoded protein is expressed solubly and on the surface of many tumor cells, making it potentially an important target for therapeutics. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2015].