gp100 is an immunoglobulin protein found in humans and other mammals. It is part of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is found on the surface of white blood cells known as natural killer (NK) cells.
The gp100 protein is encoded by the gene designated as KIR3DL3 (Killer cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor 3DL3). This gene is located on chromosome 19 and is part of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex.
gp100 plays a role in the recognition and killing of infected and cancerous cells. It is expressed on the surface of NK cells and binds to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, which are proteins found on the surface of cells. This binding triggers the NK cell to release molecules that destroy the cell.
gp100 is also involved in the regulation of NK cell activity, as it can downregulate the activity of NK cells upon binding to specific ligands.
gp100 is an important marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of certain types of cancer, including melanoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.