Divergent and convergent evolution of NK-cell receptors.
Natural killer (NK)-cell receptors specific for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules have been identified in humans and mice. Some of the most important receptors are structurally unrelated in the two species: the murine Ly-49 receptors are C-type lectins, while human killer-cell inhibitory receptors (KIRs) belong to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Here, Roland Barten and colleagues describe the divergent and convergent evolution of NK-cell receptors.
Barten
R
R
Immunology Division, Dept of Pathology, University of Cambridge, UK.
Torkar
M
M
Haude
A
A
Trowsdale
J
J
Wilson
M J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D054340:Receptors, KIR; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology
D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D054340:Receptors, KIR