The protein encoded by this gene is a natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) that may aid NK cells in the lysis of tumor cells. The encoded protein interacts with CD3-zeta (CD247), a T-cell receptor. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the 5' untranslated region of this gene has been associated with mild malaria suceptibility. Three transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.