This animation illustrates the binding of the NKG2D receptor on natural killer (NK) cells to MICA, a stress-induced protein often found on tumour cells. This interaction activates the NK cell to release toxic granules and destroy the abnormal cell—an essential mechanism of immune surveillance.

The project was created entirely in Houdini FX, with Solaris/Karma used for rendering. The focus was on achieving a balance between scientific accuracy and cinematic presentation, making a complex immunological process visually clear and engaging.

Special thanks to Guillermo Miranda for his valuable feedback during the Medical Animation Fundamentals course.