Activation of natural killer cells: underlying molecular mechanisms revealed.
Natural killer (NK) cells, the third major lymphocyte population, are important effector cells against certain infections and tumours. They have also been implicated as a link between innate and adaptive immune responses. In recent years, much attention has been paid to the NK cell inhibitory receptors and their interaction with major histocompatibility complex class I molecules on target cells. This review summarizes recent findings on regulation of NK cell activity with an emphasis on NK cell stimulatory receptors. A particular emphasis is devoted to the receptor NKG2D that is expressed on all NK cells.
Backström
E
E
Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, University Hospital, Retzius vag 8, B2:5, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. eva.backstrom@neuro.ki.se
Kristensson
K
K
Ljunggren
H-G
HG
D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology; D000950:Antigens, Ly / Q000276:immunology; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000276:immunology; D008024:Ligands; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D051920:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D; D055655:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology*; D054340:Receptors, KIR; D055630:Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
D015703:Antigens, CD; D000950:Antigens, Ly; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; C527085:KLRK1 protein, human; C527086:Klrk1 protein, mouse; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008024:Ligands; D051920:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D; D055655:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D054340:Receptors, KIR; D055630:Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell