Identification of Receptors Belonging to the Ig and C-Type Lectin Superfamilies on NK Cells and Their Functional Significance
Recognition of target cells by natural killer (NK) cells has been investigated using numerous approaches, but to date a clear understanding of the way(s) in which these effector cells interact with susceptible and nonsusceptible target cells or normal cells has not emerged. However, using the tools provided by molecular biological and monoclonal antibody technologies, a number of candidate receptor families have recently been identified. These families of receptors represent disparate molecular species, including both Type I and Type II glycoproteins and members of the Ig- and C-type lectin superfamilies. Even more interestingly, some of these receptors mediate activation of NK cells and others mediate inactivation of NK cells. Based on these recent developments, we may now be approaching an understanding of how and why NK cells may recognize and destroy some target cells, and how and why other cells may be resistant to lysis by NK cells.
Lopez-Botet
M
Servicio de Inmunologia, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Chambers
WH