When NKG2D ligands bind to NKG2D on NK cells, they activate downstream cytotoxic signalling pathways (e.g. PI3K/Akt and MAPK), thereby promoting the release of granzyme B and perforin, as well as the secretion of IFN-γ, which together mediate the killing of tumour cells. The gene discussed is KLRK1; the disease is neoplasm.