H2-M3 - histocompatibility 2, M region locus 3

Enables peptide antigen binding activity. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including antigen processing and presentation of exogenous protein antigen via MHC class Ib, TAP-dependent; positive regulation of leukocyte mediated cytotoxicity; and response to bacterium. Located in external side of plasma membrane. Part of MHC class Ib protein complex. Is expressed in several structures, including brain; genitourinary system; hemolymphoid system; liver; and lung. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in asthma; hepatitis C; and occupational asthma. Orthologous to human HLA-E (major histocompatibility complex, class I, E); HLA-F (major histocompatibility complex, class I, F); and HLA-G (major histocompatibility complex, class I, G). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]