title: The NK cell receptor repertoire: formation, adaptation and exploitation.
abstract: The identification of NK cell receptors specific for MHC class I molecules has greatly improved our knowledge of NK cell reactivity and specificity. Inhibitory receptors prevent NK cell activation directed against cells expressing self-MHC class I molecules. Consequently, diseased cells that do not express self-MHC class I molecules become susceptible to NK cell-mediated attack. Because of the specificity and distribution of inhibitory NK cell receptors, cells that express non-self (allogeneic) MHC class I molecules are also susceptible to NK cell reactions. This feature has been exploited in a clinical setting to treat leukemia patients.
authors.affiliation: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch and University of Lausanne, Chemin des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland. wheld@isrec.unil.ch
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Held
authors.forename: Jérôme D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Coudert
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zimmer
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic