Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I recognition by natural killer cells.
NK cells express clonally distributed receptors specific for MHC class I molecules. Structurally, these receptors belong to the C-type lectin superfamily in mouse and to the immunoglobulin superfamily in human. Functionally, they can be distinguished as inhibitory or stimulatory. Inhibitory receptors block NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity upon binding to HLA class I ligands. This function is mediated by phosphorylation of cytoplasmic tyrosines, which recruit the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Stimulatory receptors also bind HLA class I, lack cytoplasmic tyrosine-based motifs, and trigger NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. All these receptors are characterized by a limited diversity allowing for sensitive detection of loss of MHC class I molecules on autologous transformed and virally infected cells.
Döhring
C
C
Basel Institute for Immunology, Switzerland.
Colonna
M
M
D000818:Animals; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I