With continued advances in immunology and molecular biology techniques, as well as a better understanding of the NKG2D signaling pathway and the ongoing development of new immunotherapeutic strategies, there is reason to believe that NKG2D research will bring revolutionary changes to human health and that therapies targeting NKG2D are likely to become an important tool in the treatment of cancer and metabolic diseases. The gene discussed is KLRK1; the disease is cancer.