The natural killer gene complex: a genetic basis for understanding natural killer cell function and innate immunity.
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.
Brown
M G
MG
Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Scalzo
A A
AA
Matsumoto
K
K
Yokoyama
W M
WM
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000378:metabolism*; D005810:Multigene Family / Q000276:immunology*