Used in immunological research to study natural killer (NK) cell activation and immune responses. Binds to ligands such as MICA, MICB, and ULBP proteins expressed on stressed or infected cells, enabling investigation of receptor-ligand interactions. Commonly employed in ELISA, flow cytometry, and protein binding assays to detect and quantify NKG2D ligand expression. Also utilized in therapeutic development for cancer immunotherapy, helping design agents that enhance NK cell recognition of tumor cells. Supports studies on immune evasion mechanisms in chronic infections and malignancies.