Hematopoietic cell signal transducer (HCST)

Transmembrane adapter protein that associates with KLRK1 to form an activation receptor KLRK1-HCST in lymphoid and myeloid cells; this receptor plays a significant role in triggering cytotoxicity against target cells expressing cell surface ligands like MHC class I chain-related MICA and MICB, and UL16-binding proteins (ULBPs); these ligands are up-regulated by stress conditions and pathological condition such as viral infection and tumor transformation. Functions as docking site for PI3-kinase PIK3R1 and GRB2.

Interaction of ULBPs with KLRK1-HCST triggers calcium mobilization and activation of the PIK3R1, MAP2K/ERK, and JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathways. Both PIK3R1 and GRB2 are needed for complete KLRK1-HCST-mediated activation and ultimate killing of target cells.