Human NK cells: their ligands, receptors and functions.
The expression, or lack thereof, of class I MHC glycoproteins has a marked influence on natural killer cell function. Cells which do not express class I MHC molecules are susceptible to lysis by NK cells, and transfection of these targets with class I MHC genes can render these cells resistant to NK attack. This inhibition of NK-killing is mediated by a novel family of receptors expressed mainly on NK cells, but also found on some T-cells. The function of these class I MHC binding receptors when expressed on T-cells is discussed also and a novel co-stimulatory activity of NKAR described. Lastly, a novel mechanism by which human cytomegalovirus evades immune surveillance by NK cells is documented.
Reyburn
H
H
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Mandelboim
O
O
Valés-Goméz
M
M
Sheu
E G
EG
Pazmany
L
L
Davis
D M
DM
Strominger
J L
JL
D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008024:Ligands; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000502:physiology*
D008024:Ligands; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic