Predicted to enable beta-2-microglobulin binding activity; peptide antigen binding activity; and signaling receptor binding activity. Predicted to be involved in several processes, including positive regulation of gene expression; positive regulation of lymphocyte proliferation; and regulation of leukocyte mediated cytotoxicity. Predicted to act upstream of or within antigen processing and presentation of endogenous peptide antigen via MHC class Ib via ER pathway, TAP-dependent and inner ear development. Predicted to be located in cell surface and plasma membrane. Predicted to be part of MHC class I protein complex and MHC class Ib protein complex. Predicted to be active in external side of plasma membrane and extracellular space. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in occupational asthma. Orthologous to human HLA-E (major histocompatibility complex, class I, E). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]