This gene encodes a member of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I family of proteins. Although the encoded protein includes C-terminal transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, proteolytic processing results in the removal of these domains and subsequent tethering to the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor. The encoded protein is one of several related ligands of the natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor, which functions as an activating receptor in innate and adaptive immunity. This gene is present in a gene cluster on chromosome 6. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2015]