The lymphocyte antigen 6 family member E (LY6E) gene is localized to human chromosome 8q24.3 (143,017,982–143,023,832 bp) and encodes a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface protein. As a member of the LY6 superfamily, it is widely expressed in the liver, kidney, ovary, spleen, and peripheral blood leukocytes, with critical roles in immune regulation, T-cell development, and signal transduction. Aberrant overexpression of LY6E is observed in multiple malignancies including breast, lung, gastric, and ovarian cancers, and is closely associated with poor patient survival and tumor immune escape. Its restricted expression in normal tissues and oncogenic functions make it a promising target for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other anticancer therapies. Additionally, LY6E acts as an interferon-stimulated gene, participating in host responses to viral infections.