Gene expression analysis revealed that high expression of KLRK1 is associated with reduced survival in CMS1 patients which led us to postulate that whilst increased expression of NKG2D and NKG2D ligands enhances immune-mediated tumor control at early stages of cancer development, they may contribute to immune exhaustion and dysfunction in the TME at advanced stages of CRC, specifically in CMS1 patients. Here, KLRK1 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.