MHC Class I chain-related genes MICA and MICB are located on chromosome 6, near HLA-B. While structurally similar to Class I HLA, MICA and MICB do not bind peptides and do not interact with T cell receptors. Instead, they interact with NKG2D, an activating receptor expressed on the surface of NK cells and certain T cells. This interaction stimulates the cytolytic activity and cytokine production of these cells, influencing immune responses.
