title: The natural killer gene complex: a genetic basis for understanding natural killer cell function and innate immunity.
abstract: The natural killer gene complex encodes proteins, some of which are structurally unrelated, that impact on NK-cell function. Detailed analyses have indicated that these molecules are involved in NK-cell recognition, activation, and inhibition. The importance of this genomic region is highlighted by studies indicating that NKC-associated genes significantly influence NK cell-mediated innate host defense against life-threatening pathogens and that the NKC is conserved among diverse species. Thus, further elucidation of the NKC and its gene products will provide a genetic basis for understanding innate immunity and NK-cell activity at the molecular level.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Scalzo
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Yokoyama
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000378:metabolism*; D005810:Multigene Family / Q000276:immunology*