NK cell recognition of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules.
Interactions between membrane receptors on NK cells and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on target cells inhibit NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In the mouse, receptors encoded by genes of the Ly-49 family bind certain polymorphic H-2 molecules and prevent lysis of normal hematopoietic cell targets. While a human homolog of Ly-49 has not been identified as yet, two structurally distinct NK cell-associated membrane glycoproteins, NKB1 and p58, have been implicated in the recognition of polymorphic HLA-B and HLA-C molecules, respectively. Recent studies indicate that human NK cell clones express multiple receptors for HLA class I molecules and suggest that these receptors may operate independently when expressed in a single NK cell clone.
Lanier
L L
LL
Department of Human Immunology, DNAX Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
Phillips
J H
JH
D000818:Animals; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I / Q000276:immunology*; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000378:metabolism*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics*
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic